New Zealand athletes Kalyn Ponga and Stacey Waaka win Golden Boot awards in 2026

Consensus Summary

New Zealand athletes Kalyn Ponga and Stacey Waaka have been named the winners of the 2026 men’s and women’s Golden Boot awards, recognizing their outstanding performances in rugby league. Ponga, a standout player for the Kiwis, earned the men’s award after a remarkable World Cup campaign, including a dramatic return from a broken forearm suffered in a 24-20 loss to Australia. Waaka, a cross-code legend, secured the women’s Golden Boot with nine tries in four World Cup matches and an equally impressive nine tries in just 10 NRLW appearances for the Warriors. Both athletes will feature in their respective World Cup finals against Australia, with the men’s final scheduled for Sunday and the women’s final on Friday night, as reported by both 7NEWS and ABC.

The awards cap stunning individual seasons for both players. Ponga’s journey to the Golden Boot began with a fairytale NRL grand final run with Newcastle, where he scored six tries, before his World Cup heroics. His broken forearm in the 70th minute of the opener against Australia did not deter him, and he returned 23 days later to score in New Zealand’s 34-10 victory over Tonga. Waaka, meanwhile, transitioned from rugby union stardom—where she won gold in two Olympic Games, one Commonwealth Games, and one World Cup—to dominance in the NRLW, earning praise for her speed and agility. ABC highlights her ‘breathtaking’ move to the NRLW, where she has already made a significant impact.

Both athletes expressed humility and gratitude for their achievements. Ponga credited his team for his success, noting that the award was ‘an individual accolade, but I owe this one to the team,’ as quoted by 7NEWS. Waaka was visibly emotional during an on-stage haka, calling it a ‘special celebration’ and emphasizing the respect shown by her teammates. ABC reports that Ponga’s nomination was part of a shortlist that included Reece Walsh, Francis Manulelua, Robert Toia, and Casey McLean, while 7NEWS expands on his eligibility changes, which allowed him to represent New Zealand after previously playing for the Māori All Stars. Waaka’s contributions were underscored by Jillaroos fullback Tamika Upton, who called her ‘an incredible athlete’ with ‘quick feet and agility,’ according to 7NEWS.

While both outlets agree on the core achievements of Ponga and Waaka, they differ in emphasis and detail. 7NEWS focuses on Ponga’s injury recovery and Waaka’s emotional reaction to the haka, as well as her extensive rugby union career, including two World Cup titles in 15-a-side rugby. ABC, however, provides specific NRL match scores and dates, such as Newcastle’s 20-10 win over the Rabbitohs on September 11 and the Knights’ 22-14 victory over the Panthers on September 27. These differences highlight how 7NEWS leans toward narrative and personal stories, while ABC offers a more data-driven account of their club and international performances. Neither source contradicts the other on the major facts, but the additional context varies significantly.

Looking ahead, both athletes are poised to play pivotal roles in their respective World Cup finals against Australia. The men’s final is set for Sunday, while the women’s final will take place on Friday night, as confirmed by both sources. Additionally, England’s Rob Hawkins has won the Wheelchair Golden Boot, with his final against France scheduled for Friday night in Wollongong. While the articles do not detail future expectations beyond these finals, the focus remains on Ponga and Waaka’s historic achievements and the anticipation of their final showdowns in the World Cup. Their stories serve as a testament to resilience, skill, and the growing prominence of New Zealand in both men’s and women’s rugby league.