Harry Grant has added his name to the sport’s most exclusive honour roll, becoming the latest Melbourne Storm star to claim the coveted Golden Boot after edging out an elite group of contenders for international rugby league’s highest individual award. The Kangaroos hooker capped an extraordinary 2025 by outlasting New Zealand’s Dylan Brown and Joseph Tapine, as well as fellow Australians Payne Haas and Cameron Munster, to secure the accolade.
Despite Melbourne’s narrow miss in the NRL premiership race, Grant’s representative form never wavered. The Storm captain played a central role in Australia’s triumphant Ashes campaign, helping the Kangaroos sweep England upon the series’ long-awaited return. His performances across the tour highlighted why he continues to be regarded as one of the world’s premier dummy-halves—crafty, relentless, and capable of altering a match’s tempo in an instant.
The voting margin was tight, particularly given Brown’s impressive standing as New Zealand’s player of the series. The Kiwis playmaker was named man of the match in all three Tests, while Munster emerged as Australia’s most dangerous attacking weapon. Yet even with such exceptional competition, Grant’s overall impact proved decisive, earning him a place beside Storm greats Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk, and Cameron Smith—further enriching the club’s already remarkable legacy of Golden Boot recipients.
Storm chief executive Justin Rodski was full of praise for his skipper and the significance of the achievement both individually and for the organisation.
“Harry’s performances for the Kangaroos were outstanding, and this award is incredibly well deserved. It’s a proud moment for him and for our Club,” Rodski said.
Rodski emphasised the leadership qualities that have accelerated Grant into one of rugby league’s most influential figures.
“As Storm captain, Harry sets the standard every day. His leadership and consistency are second to none, and this recognition reflects the player and person he is.”
Grant’s performances on English soil were a near-perfect example of those standards. He consistently manipulated the ruck with sharp running, forced England’s defensive line into constant retreat, and topped the tackle count for Australia across the series. His try at Leeds—an explosive burst that opened the game wide—became one of the defining moments of the tour. He also captained Australia in Liverpool, reinforcing his evolution into a complete, world-class No.9 whose influence extends well beyond his playmaking ability.
International Rugby League chair Troy Grant acknowledged the elite calibre of this year’s winners, commending the achievements of both Harry Grant and Jillaroos star Julia Robinson.
“On behalf of the International Rugby League Board, I wish to congratulate Harry Grant, Julia Robinson and Rob Hawkins for their outstanding performances at international level in 2025,” he said.
He noted that Harry Grant’s excellence during the Ashes and throughout the representative season was no surprise to those familiar with his week-to-week brilliance.
“Harry showcased his skill and leadership in the first Ashes Series for 22 years and played a key role in Australia’s win over their great rivals.
“He constantly had the England defence backpedaling with his clever dummy half running, topped the tackle count for the Kangaroos, captained Australia at Liverpool and scored a brilliant try to blow the match open at Leeds.
“None of that was a surprise to those of us who are fortunate to watch him play week-in and week-out for Melbourne Storm or for Queensland in State of Origin but for Harry to perform at that level — and with the same consistency — on the international stage, confirms his standing as one of the game’s best players.”
While Grant owned the spotlight on the men’s side, Julia Robinson delivered an equally compelling case for women’s rugby league supremacy. The Brisbane Broncos winger, regarded as one of the game’s most electric finishers, secured the women’s Golden Boot after a phenomenal year that included a standout Las Vegas showcase, an NRLW premiership, and a near miss in the Dally M Medal count.
Robinson’s influence on the international stage was undeniable. She scored four tries during the Pacific Championships, including a spectacular airborne finish off a kick—a moment that sparked viral attention and highlighted the rapidly evolving athleticism in the women’s game. Her performances across Tests against England in Las Vegas, Samoa at Suncorp Stadium, New Zealand at Eden Park, and the Pacific Cup final at CommBank Stadium showcased her mix of precision, power, and instinct.
International Rugby League chair Troy Grant spoke glowingly of Robinson’s impact and the inspiration she provides to fans around the world.
“Julia was another who confirmed her status as one of the truly great outside backs of the women’s game with standout performances against England in Las Vegas, Samoa at Suncorp Stadium and New Zealand at Eden Park and in the Pacific Cup final at CommBank Stadium.
“Her try against Samoa elevated women’s rugby league to another level, as fans around the world marveled at Julia’s ability to time her run perfectly and fly through the air like a superhero to catch Jesse Southwell’s cross-field kick and score.
“Not many players have the ability to do what Julia did but through a combination of hard work and talent she has been regularly pushing the boundaries and her highlights reel is full of spectacular tries and big plays.”
The dual honours for Grant and Robinson highlight the strength of Australian rugby league on both the men’s and women’s international stages. Grant’s masterful control and leadership as a dummy-half, paired with Robinson’s finishing brilliance and consistency, signify a new era where high-calibre performances are not only expected but celebrated globally.
Their achievements also send a powerful message ahead of upcoming international competitions: Australia remains equipped with world-class stars who excel under pressure, set new benchmarks, and elevate the sport every time they step onto the field.
Both players now add their names to the Golden Boot’s prestigious lineage, ensuring their 2025 seasons will be remembered as defining chapters in their already impressive careers.
