In the wake of winning one of international rugby league’s most prestigious honours, Harry Grant has stepped forward to defend the Golden Boot judging panel, insisting the assessment process is far from simple and should be respected given the depth of talent in the modern game. The recognition, which celebrates the best international player of the year, has been the centre of plenty of public debate. Yet Grant, who emerged as the standout recipient, believes the responsibility placed on the panel of rugby league greats is enormous and often underestimated.
The panel that determined this year’s award featured NRL immortals-in-waiting and international icons Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith, Ruben Wiki, James Graham and Petero Civoniceva. Together, they carry decades of elite-level experience, countless representative honours, and a vast understanding of both the physical and strategic demands of the sport. Grant acknowledged that evaluating players across different competitions, schedules, and match intensities presents major challenges, making the ultimate decision anything but straightforward.
“It’s all different circumstances and all different brands of footy, I think,” Grant said on SEN 1170 Afternoons, defending the group’s decision-making process. He pointed out that comparing performances across varying formats — from tightly contested Test matches to faster-paced domestic competitions — adds a layer of complexity that fans may not fully appreciate.
“You look at the way that some of the specific championships was played, it’s probably a little bit different to the way that the Ashes series went,” he explained, highlighting how each competition operates under its own rhythm, tactical structures, and pressures.
For Grant, the focus has always been on contributing to his team’s success, rather than dwelling on end-of-year awards. As he put it: “I think it’s probably a tough gig for him, but I’m just lucky that I’m out there playing footy and trying to do a job for my team.” His humility underscores a broader theme throughout his reaction — gratitude, respect, and an awareness of the legacy that surrounds the Golden Boot.
The award itself is steeped in history, previously won by some of the most influential players to ever step foot on a rugby league field. Legends whose names are etched into the sport’s global fabric have claimed the honour in years gone by, giving the accolade a near-mythic aura. Grant admitted that carrying forward such a legacy comes with both pride and disbelief.
“It’s a huge honour… it’s hard to receive it in a sense because there’s so many great players in the game,” he said. Given the strength of the shortlist and the outstanding calibre of international stars across multiple nations this year, Grant revealed that being singled out by the panel left him feeling deeply humbled.
“You look at the shortlist of players that were in the running, and then how many great players are in the game in general, (I’m) definitely very humbled and proud to receive it," he shared. The breadth and diversity of talent in the global game have expanded in recent seasons, making this year’s award particularly competitive.
The Storm hooker was equally respectful toward the panel of judges, acknowledging both their accomplishments and their understanding of what it takes to excel at the top level. “The panel of judges that did award it, they’ve done plenty in the game,” he said, noting that the credibility and insights they bring to the process help uphold the award’s integrity year after year.
Grant also reflected on the deeper layer of meaning behind the accolade, emphasising that individual achievements stem not only from personal effort but from collective contributions. “You can fill your boots up with and take some confidence with it. Sometimes when you’re having fun and enjoying yourself, these accomplishments or achievements come along with it but at the end of the day it’s your teammates, your team, and the staff that put so much time in through the journey.” His comments highlight a mindset grounded in team culture, shared purpose, and appreciation for those around him.
One of the most heartwarming moments following the announcement came from Melbourne Storm, Queensland Maroons, and Kangaroos teammate Cameron Munster — widely considered one of the favourites for the award. While fans and analysts debated whether Munster might claim the honour himself, his response to the final outcome demonstrated the camaraderie and mutual respect within their tight-knit representative squads.
“He was one of the first blokes to send me a message and he’s a great teammate, a great person and I think to sort of play with him at club land, but then to play with him in those occasions and arenas like Origin and the Kangaroos, you sort of see how much of a freak he is,” Grant said. Munster’s immediate congratulations spoke volumes about his character, humility, and team-first attitude — qualities that have shaped his reputation as one of the most influential modern playmakers.
Grant went on to describe the joy of sharing the field with Munster, particularly in high-stakes environments. “He’s out there having fun playing footy, and giving his best, and that’s why I love playing with him.” The two have formed a formidable combination in both club and representative jerseys, each elevating the other’s game through instinct, creativity, and trust built over years of partnership.
In the end, Grant’s reaction to the Golden Boot announcement paints a clear picture: an elite athlete grounded by humility, gratitude, and admiration for those around him. He carries immense respect for the judging panel, appreciation for the legends who paved the way, and deep value for the teammates who share every tackle, triumph, and challenge alongside him. While the honour of being named the world’s best player is immense, Grant’s response shows why he is just as respected off the field — for his character, not just his craft.
