Golden Boot winner Harry Grant has defended the judging panel for the award after criticism that Kiwis star Dylan Brown and Ashes player of the series Cameron Munster were overlooked.
Grant became the fifth Melbourne Storm player to win the Golden Boot alongside Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Greg Inglis, but his victory has been overshadowed in controversy.
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The voting panel for the Golden Boot consisted of NRL legends Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith, Ruben Wiki, James Graham and Petero Civoniceva and Grant believes they have a tough job to single out one player.
“It’s all different circumstances and all different brands of footy, I think,” Grant said on SEN 1170 Afternoons.
“You look at the way that some of the specific championships was played, it’s probably a little bit different to the way that the Ashes series went.
“I think it’s probably a tough gig for him, but I’m just lucky that I’m out there playing footy and trying to do a job for my team.”
Grant was humbled by the honour of winning the Golden Boot given the history and the names that have come before him and the legends of the game on the judging panel.
“It’s a huge honour… it’s hard to receive it in a sense because there’s so many great players in the game,” Grant said.
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“You look at the shortlist of players that were in the running, and then how many great players are in the game in general, (I’m) definitely very humbled and proud to receive it.
“The panel of judges that did award it, they’ve done plenty in the game.
“You can fill your boots up with and take some confidence with it.
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“Sometimes when you’re having fun and enjoying yourself, these accomplishments or achievements come along with it but at the end of the day it’s your teammates, your team, and the staff that put so much time in through the journey.”
Despite beating one of the favourites in Munster to the award, Grant revealed a classy touch from his Storm, Marroons and Kangaroos teammate upon the announcement.
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“He was one of the first blokes to send me a message and he’s a great teammate, a great person and I think to sort of play with him at club land, but then to play with him in those occasions and arenas like Origin and the Kangaroos, you sort of see how much of a freak he is,” Grant said.
“He’s out there having fun playing footy, and giving his best, and that’s why I love playing with him.”
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