Rugby League: Kiwi duo Joey Manu, Raecene McGregor win Golden Boots at international awards

Kiwi Joey Manu and Kiwi Fern Raecene McGregor have been crowned Golden Boots winners for 2022 at the international rugby league awards.

Manu is just the sixth Kiwi to win the award since its inception in 1984, with McGregor the first New Zealander to be awarded the women's Golden Boot.

Manu has been a standout for the Kiwis at fullback this season, including a 401-mentre performance with the ball in a mid-season test against Tonga.

He also ran for more than 300 metres in each of his five Rugby League World Cup appearances, winning MVP against Tonga, Lebanon and Fiji.

"Joey has definitely been a standout this year, " Kiwis Head Coach Michael Maguire said. 

"He set the bar high in a great mid-year Test match against Tonga and continued on the form throughout the World Cup.

"Joey has a big career in the Kiwi jersey ahead of him. If he keeps going the way he is, I'm sure he will get a few more Golden Boots, along with going down as one of the greats for the Kiwis."

Raecene McGregor. Photo credit: Photosport

Meanwhile, McGregor's award caps off a stunning year for the 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 a premiership earlier in the year, she was awarded the Dally M Medal as the best player of the 2022 season.

"Rae is a special player, she's one of those rare players; it's been a fantastic year for her," Kiwi Ferns Head Coach Ricky Henry said.

"She's grown in this space not only as a leader but as a playmaker, she's quality and the best in her position. 

"Having her in our campaign has given us a lot of confidence not only with her ability to game manage but how she makes the players around her look good too. 

"To be awarded the Golden Boot is a massive achievement considering the amount of high-profile players that have been around the game for a long time."   

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