Nov 8th, 2019

Nov 8th, 2019

NSW coach Brad Fittler has hit out at the current format of the Golden Boot award after a short list for this year's award that ignored many of the NRL's best players was unveiled.

International Rugby League (IRL) will award the Golden Boot, in the men's and women's games, to the players adjudged to have been the best performed in full international matches during 2019.

An award judged on international performances only, Fittler slammed the current format, conceding it should be awarded to the world's best player regardless of international performances.

Tonga stun Kangaroos with Test win

"The English winger (Tommy Makinson) who won last year's award … I'm not sure that's the right way to go," Fittler told NSWRL.com.au.

"I think it's ridiculous, I think it should be the best player in the world."

Off-contract Sydney Roosters prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho is among the short list that was announced today.

After dominant performances against Great Britain and England, Fittler said it would only be right for a player from Tonga to be handed the award given its current criteria.

"If I take all the internationals into consideration, I think you'd have to say someone from Tonga would be the Golden Boot winner," he said.

"They beat England and Australia. They had a fantastic rep series this yea

Tonga have two players at the top of the current list with Roosters prop Taukeiaho and Tui Lolohea recognised for their performances in the Oceania Cup, which includes the historic victory over Australia, and the Great Britain Lions games.

New Zealand also have two contenders in fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and front-rower Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, both of whom have excelled throughout the year.

Kangaroos hooker Damian Cook has caught the eye of the judges while teenage prop Payne Haas has received a nomination after his maiden international campaign.

Tonga deliver the Sipi Tau

John Bateman is Great Britain's sole representative while Fiji have three players in Viliame Kikau, Kevin Naiqama and Brandon Wakeman.

The list of nominees will be completed once the final Test matches of 2019 are played, before the winners are announced.

In the race for the women's award, Australian Jillaroos pair Jess Sergis and Ali Brigginshaw have been nominated.

NOMINATED PLAYERS SO FAR:

Men

John Bateman (Great Britain)

Damien Cook (Australia)

Payne Haas (Australia)

Viliame Kikau (Fiji)

Tui Lolohea (Tonga)

Kevin Naiqama (Fiji)

Sio Siua Taukeiaho (Tonga)

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (New Zealand)

Jared Waerea-HargreavesNew Zealand)

Brandon Wakeham(Fiji)

Women

Ali Brigginshaw(Australia)

Jessica Sergis(Australia)

- with AAP

©AAP2019