Australian Wheelaroos Shine in Golden Boot Voting as England’s Rob Hawkins Makes History

The International Rugby League (IRL) has announced the winners of the prestigious 2025 Golden Boot Awards, with England’s Rob Hawkins creating history as the first player in any discipline to win the award in consecutive years. Hawkins’ heroics in England’s 2-0 Wheelchair Ashes Series victory over Australia secured his second straight Golden Boot, edging out Australian stars Bayley McKenna and Zac Schumacher.

Rob Hawkins, England

Hawkins scored five tries across two matches, spearheading England’s comeback wins and cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s most dynamic players. At just 23 years old, Hawkins joins Rugby League legends such as Andrew Johns, Darren Lockyer, and Cameron Smith as a dual Golden Boot winner.

While Hawkins claimed top honours, the performance of the Wheelaroos was equally impressive, with McKenna and Schumacher earning widespread praise for their skill and determination throughout the fiercely contested Ashes Series. Their recognition as a Golden Boot finalists highlights Australia’s growing strength in Wheelchair Rugby League and sets the stage for an exciting build-up to the Rugby League World Cup in 2026 on home soil.

Bayley McKenna evades the England defense

McKenna and Schumacher share a close bond and an ability to intuitively read each other’s play on the court. Speaking about his teammate, McKenna said:

“To be nominated alongside my close mate Zac is an unreal feeling. He knows the game inside out, and we work so well together — his ability to read play the way he does, is something special. Playing alongside Zaccy is something I hold really close to my heart, and I love every second of it.”

Zac Schumacher scoring a try for Australia

Schumacher was quick to return the praise:

“Bayley plays with heart, mateship and fight… and shows the Aussie way: resilient, relentless and always ready for the next contest. Playing beside him makes my role easier.”

Wheelchair Rugby League Australia Chair, Darren Gocher, congratulated the Australian representatives:

“Bayley and Zac have been outstanding ambassadors for Wheelchair Rugby League. Their recognition among the world’s best players is a testament to their talent, hard work, and the progress of the Wheelaroos on the international stage.”

Australian Wheelaroos Head Coach, Brett Clark, was also keen to acknowledge this achievement:

“That shared accolade perfectly encapsulates their world-class synergy. When they link up, they are operating at the highest possible standard, and this historic joint recognition is nothing less than fully deserved.”

The Golden Boot awards celebrate the best players in sanctioned international matches each year. The 2025 finalists for Wheelchair Rugby League included Jack Brown (England), Joseph Calcott (Ireland), Nathan Collins (England), Rob Hawkins (England), Bayley McKenna (Australia), and Zac Schumacher (Australia).

Hawkins will receive his award in Halifax on Friday, while presentations for Men’s winner Harry Grant (Australian Kangaroos) and Women’s winner Julia Robinson (Australian Jillaroos) will take place in Brisbane. Grant was recognised for his pivotal role in Australia’s 3-0 Ashes triumph, while Robinson’s spectacular performances for the Jillaroos, including a viral try against Samoa, earned her unanimous selection.

Wheelchair Rugby League Golden Boot – Past Winners

• 2019 – Jack Brown (England)
• 2020-21 – No award given
• 2022 – Sebastien Bechara (England)
• 2023 – Jeremey Bourson (France)
• 2024 – Rob Hawkins (England)
• 2025 – Rob Hawkins (England)

IRL Chair Troy Grant said:

“International Rugby League is fortunate to have such esteemed judging panels, with the greats of the Men’s and Women’s game choosing the best of the current crop each year and those instrumental in the establishment and growth of Wheelchair Rugby League picking the Wheelchair Player of the Year.”

Wheelchair Judging Panel

• Malcolm Kielty MBE: A pioneer of Wheelchair Rugby League and one of the founders of the game.
• Darren Gocher: NRL Wheelchair Chair, Family of League CEO, IRL Wheelchair Rugby League Advisory Group Member and former NRL referee.
• 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.
• Martin Meredith OAM: Former Wheelchair Rugby League Australia Chair, ex-Manly Sea Eagles player and Halifax Challenge Cup winner.

About NRL Wheelchair

NRL Wheelchair is committed to promoting inclusivity and excellence in rugby league through the growth and development of Wheelchair Rugby League across Australia. Wheelchair Rugby League is an adaptation of the running game that is inclusive so those with or without a disability can play together on the same team from grassroots right through to elite level.