Three members of England’s Ashes-winning team are in contention for the 2025 IRL Wheelchair Golden Boot -including Halifax Panthers team-mates Jack Brown and Rob Hawkins, each of whom could win the award for the second time.
Brown was the first winner of the award when it was introduced in 2019, while Hawkins won it in 2024 following impressive performances in England’s internationals against France – meaning he is in contention to become the first player to win any of Rugby League’s three Golden Boots in consecutive years since the men’s award was introduced in 1985.*
Nathan Collins of Leeds Rhinos is the third England player on the long list of seven, after his starring role in England’s first Test win against Australia on the Gold Coast last month.
The long list is completed by two members of the Wheelaroos team who competed so impressively against England - Bayley McKenna and Zac Schumacher – plus Joseph Calcott and Peter Johnston, who were key figures in Ireland’s victories over Wales and Scotland in the Celtic Cup.
Calcott’s inclusion means there are three Halifax players on the long list, further recognition for their outstanding domestic season in which they won the Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup and Super League double.
The IRL Golden Boot is awarded to the best player in sanctioned Rugby League international matches each year – meaning no France players were eligible, as they did not play any internationals in 2025, preferring to keep their powder dry ahead of their bid to reclaim the World Cup in Australia in 2026.
The Wheelchair 2025 IRL Golden Boot is chosen by a judging panel which comprises:
Malcolm Kielty MBE: A pioneer of Wheelchair Rugby League and one of the founders of the game.
Martin Meredith OAM: Former Wheelchair Rugby League Australia Chair, ex-Manly Sea Eagles player and Halifax Challenge Cup winner.
Niel Wood: IRL Wheelchair Rugby League Advisory Group (WRLAG) Chair
David Butler: IRL Wheelchair Rugby League Advisory Group Secretary; long serving official, player and referee.
Darren Gocher: NRL Wheelchair Chair, Family of League CEO.
2025 IRL Golden Boot long list
Wheelchair
- Jack Brown (England)
- Joseph Calcott (Ireland)
- Nathan Collins (England)
- Rob Hawkins (England)
- Peter Johnston (Ireland)
- Bayley McKenna (Australia)
- Zac Schumacher (Australia)
Previous Wheelchair winners
- 2019 Jack Brown (England)
- 2020-2021 No award
- 2022 Seb Bechara (England)
- 2023 Jeremy Bourson (France)
- 2024 Rob Hawkins (England)
