Jerry is on

The winner of the most prestigious individual accolade in international rugby league will be revealed at a gala finals luncheon in Brisbane on Wednesday in the build-up to next Saturday’s final between England and Australia.

The short-list was drawn up by a panel comprising Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga, Scotland boss Steve McCormack and journalists Steve Mascord and Martyn Sadler.

Rugby League International Federation chief executive David Collier said: “The RLIF is grateful for the panel in providing these nominations for the shortlist which represents all four nations competing in the World Cup semi-finals.

“It is an outstanding list which will produce a worthy winner of the Golden Boot.”

England withstood a dramatic late fightback from a passionate Tonga to reach their first World Cup final for 22 years – winning 20-18.

Prolific winger McGillvary scored for the 10th game in a row to put his side on their way to a 20-0 lead but England were hanging at the end after the Pacific Islanders, roared on by a crowd of more than 25,000 fans, scored three converted tries in the last seven minutes.

Tonga might have snatched it in the dying seconds when prop Andrew Fifita went on a charge for the line only to lose the ball in the tackle and England clung on for a pulsating 20-18 victory.

It may get tougher for England on the pitch when they face holders Australia in Brisbane next Saturday but at least they will not have to contend with a cauldron-like atmosphere generated by the Tongan supporters, who included King George Tupou VI and turned Mount Smart Stadium into a sea of red.

England held their nerve and also rode their luck to clinch a