Kiwi duo win awards

New Zealand has notched a double triumph at the international rugby league awards with Kiwi Joey Manu and Kiwi Fern Raecene McGregor claiming the Golden Boots for 2022. Manu is only the sixth Kiwi to win the men’s award since its inception in 1984 while McGregor is the first New Zealander to win the women’s Golden Boot that was introduced in 2018. McGregor’s award caps a stunning year for the Kiwi Ferns halfback, who was uncontracted for the postponed 2021 NRLW season until winning player-of-the match for the Māori All Stars. After helping Sydney Roosters to the NRLW Premiership, she was awarded the Dally M Medal as the best player of the 2022 NRLW season. She will be crucial to New Zealand’s chances in this weekend’s World Cup final against Australia.