The Rugby League World Golden Boot is awarded to the international player of the year and is decided by a panel made up of Rugby League journalists, broadcasters and former international players.

The Golden Boot was first awarded in 1985 by Open Rugby Magazine, the predecessor to Rugby League World. It was won by Wally Lewis of Australia.

No awards were made between 1991 and 1998, but the Golden Boot was restored to prominence in 1999 when it was presented to Andrew Johns, who went on to become the first player to win it twice, repeating his success in 2001.

Greg Inglis receiving the Golden Boot award

Greg Inglis receiving the Golden Boot award

Golden Boot Award Winners

  • 1985 Wally Lewis (Australia) 
  • 1986 Brett Kenny (Australia) 
  • 1987 Garry Jack (Australia) 
  • 1988 Hugh McGahan MBE (New Zealand) Shared 
  • 1988 Peter Sterling (Australia) Shared 
  • 1989 Ellery Hanley (Great Britain) 
  • 1990 Mal Meninga (Australia) 
  • 1999 Andrew Johns (Australia) 
  • 2000 Brad Fittler (Australia) 
  • 2001 Andrew Johns (Australia) 
  • 2002 Stacey Jones (New Zealand) 
  • 2003 Darren Lockyer (Australia) 
  • 2004 Andrew Farrell (Great Britain) 
  • 2005 Anthony Minichiello (Australia) 
  • 2006 Darren Lockyer (Australia) 
  • 2007 Cameron Smith (Australia)
  • 2008 Billy Slater (Australia)
  • 2009 Greg Inglis (Australia)