Australia’s wheelchair rugby league stars Bayley McKenna and Zac Schumacher have been short-listed for the prestigious 2024 IRL Golden Boot, celebrating their outstanding contributions to the sport on the international stage.

The duo shone brightly in the first-ever trans-Tasman Wheelchair Rugby League series against New Zealand, held during the Pacific Championships. McKenna made history with a record 44-point haul in the series opener, while Schumacher, originally from New Zealand, delivered a player-of-the-match performance in the second game, showcasing his exceptional skills and leadership for the Wheelaroos.

The IRL Golden Boot, awarded annually to the best player in sanctioned international rugby league matches, features a strong field of 14 nominees from across the globe. Alongside McKenna and Schumacher, the list includes players from England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, and Wales.

France’s Nicolas Clausells, who scored 28 points in his nation’s dramatic win over England to reclaim the Fassolette-Kielty Trophy, is among the frontrunners. England’s Josh Butler, who recently won the Wheels of Steel award and was named 2024 Super League Wheelchair Player of the Year, is also a strong contender.

Speaking about the nominations, IRL Chair Troy Grant said:

“Wheelchair Rugby League is continuing to go from strength to strength and that is reflected in the field of players under consideration for the 2024 IRL Golden Boot.

“This year international wheelchair fixtures have been played for the first time in the United States and New Zealand.

“For the United States the series against Wales built on their debut at RLWC2021, while the two matches against Australia were the first time New Zealand had been represented in Wheelchair Rugby League.

“These developments are significant as the game builds towards the next World Cup in 2026, to be hosted by the Australian Rugby League Commission.

“In addition, France recently played host for matches involving England, Ireland and Spain. The finale last Sunday between France and England the French was a clash many regard as the best since the epic 2021 World Cup final in Manchester.

“Elsewhere, Ireland hosted the Celtic Cup for the first time in the 10-year history of the tournament between Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

“Ireland’s win ended seven years of Celtic Cup domination by Wales.

“On behalf of the IRL Board, I congratulate the players nominated for the 2024 IRL Golden Boot and all those whose efforts have helped expand the wheelchair game across the globe.”

The winners of the 2024 IRL Golden Boot awards will be announced in December, with nominees judged by a panel of distinguished experts, including Malcolm Kielty, Phil Caplan, Neil Wood, and Martin Coyd.

Australia’s representatives in McKenna and Schumacher are not only raising the profile of Wheelchair Rugby League at home but also setting the standard for excellence on the world stage.

IRL Golden Boot Long List – Wheelchair Rugby League (2024)

• Josh Butler (England)
• Joseph Calcott (Ireland)
• Nicolas Clausells (France)
• Nathan Collins (England)
• Joe Coyd (England)
• Callum Davidson (Scotland)
• Damien Dore (France)
• Rob Hawkins (England)
• Peter Johnston (Ireland)
• Leo Hivernat (France)
• Yannick Martin (Spain)
• Bayley McKenna (Australia)
• Zac Schumacher (Australia)
• Scott Trigg-Turner (Wales)

ENDS

For media inquiries, contact:  Jo Ryan, 0421 059 866