England have won the Wheelchair Golden Boot award once again, with World Cup star Rob Hawkins landing the honour for the third year running.

Hawkins has been named as the best international player in the wheelchair game, and it’s clear to see why, with the Halifax Panthers star scoring 19 tries in just three games this tournament.

An 11-try haul came against Wales in week one, before he was rested in week two against the USA. He bagged a hat-trick against Ireland in the final group game, before scoring five against Australia in the semi-final.

Hawkins is one of the biggest names in the wheelchair version of the sport, and will be key to England’s World Cup Final victory, should they defeat France on Friday morning.

2026 IRL Golden Boot award winners confirmed

In the running game, players from New Zealand have scooped up the honours in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

First, Kiwi full-back Kalyn Ponga has picked up the individual trophy after playing just two games in this tournament. The Newcastle Knights star fractured his arm in week one against Australia, before returning just over three weeks later to put in an incredible effort against Tonga.

He will go up against fellow superstar number one Reece Walsh once again this week in the Rugby League World Cup Final.

In the women’s game, Kiwi Ferns ace Stacey Waaka landed the trophy, meaning that the pair became the first set of Kiwis to pick up the award since 2023.

Waaka featured in every pool match across the campaign and has scored nine tries in four matches, including hat-tricks against Samoa and France.

Plenty have questions have been asked as to why the Golden Boot awards aren’t decided until after the Finals have been played, with their being every chance that all three winners don’t come away with the Final trophy come the end of the weekend.

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