Harry Grant is the latest Storm star to be crowned Golden Boot winner after the Australian hooker edged out a quality field for the game’s highest international honour, while Jillaroos try-scoring machine Julia Robinson claimed the women’s award.
While Grant and his Storm teammates narrowly missed out on a premiership, the representative No.9 didn’t let it affect him as he helped the Kangaroos sweep their series in England to celebrate the return of the Ashes.
The dynamic dummy-half narrowly edged out Kiwis duo Dylan Brown and Joseph Tapine for the top gong, with Payne Haas and Cameron Munster also nominated.
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Brown can feel hard done by given he was man of the match in all three games for New Zealand, while Munster was Australia’s best attacking weapon.
Grant joins Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith as Storm players to win the award.
“Harry’s performances for the Kangaroos were outstanding, and this award is incredibly well deserved. It’s a proud moment for him and for our Club,” Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said.
“As Storm captain, Harry sets the standard every day. His leadership and consistency are second to none, and this recognition reflects the player and person he is.”
The award caps a dream year for Robinson who starred in Las Vegas and narrowly missed out on the Dally M award, but bounced back to be named the best international women’s player in 2025 to go with her NRLW title.
The champion winger scored four tries in the Pacific Championships including a flying effort off a kick that sent social media into a frenzy.
“On behalf of the International Rugby League Board, I wish to congratulate Harry Grant, Julia Robinson and Rob Hawkins for their outstanding performances at international level in 2025,” International Rugby League chair Troy Grant said.
“Harry showcased his skill and leadership in the first Ashes Series for 22-years and played a key role in Australia’s win over their great rivals.
“He constantly had the England defence backpedaling with his clever dummy half running, topped the tackle count for the Kangaroos, captained Australia at Liverpool and scored a brilliant try to blow the match open at Leeds.
“None of that was a surprise to those of us who are fortunate to watch him play week-in and week-out for Melbourne Storm or for Queensland in State of Origin but for Harry to perform at that level – and with the same consistency – on the international stage, confirms his standing as one of the game’s best players.
“Julia was another who confirmed her status as one of the truly great outside backs of the women’s game with standout performances against England in Las Vegas, Samoa at Suncorp Stadium and New Zealand at Eden Park and in the Pacific Cup final at CommBank Stadium.
“Her try against Samoa elevated women’s rugby league to another level, as fans around the world marveled at Julia’s ability to time her run perfectly and fly through the air like a superhero to catch Jesse Southwell’s cross-field kick and score.
“Not many players have the ability to do what Julia did but through a combination of hard work and talent she has been regularly pushing the boundaries and her highlights reel is full of spectacular tries and big plays.”
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