Warriors’ influence on the world game will only continue to expand in the years to come.
In an exciting development that highlights the rising global prominence of New Zealand Warriors,
four players from the club—Harry Smith, Anna Davies, Carys Marsh, and Isabel Rowe—have been
nominated for the prestigious 2024 Men’s and Women’s International Golden Boot Awards. These
nominations are a testament to their exceptional talent and consistency in international rugby
league matches, marking them among the best players on the planet.
The Golden Boot Awards are the sport’s most coveted individual accolades, presented annually to
the best male and female rugby league players based on their performances in sanctioned
international matches. With four Warriors players in the running, this year’s awards are set to shine
a spotlight on the club’s growing international influence and the exceptional caliber of talent
emerging from New Zealand.
A Historic First: Four Warriors Nominated.
This year’s nominations represent a significant milestone for the Warriors, showcasing the club’s
strong development pathways and the depth of talent that exists both in their men’s and women’s
teams. The inclusion of Harry Smith, Anna Davies, Carys Marsh, and Isabel Rowe in the shortlist for
the International Golden Boot Awards is not only a personal achievement for each of these players
but also an affirmation of the Warriors’ increasing stature on the global rugby league stage.
For Harry Smith, his standout performances as a dynamic halfback in the international arena have
solidified his position as one of the game’s most exciting playmakers. Known for his astute decision-
making and ability to turn games on their head, Smith has been pivotal in New Zealand’s
international success, and his nomination is a reflection of his growing reputation as one of the
sport’s best.
On the women’s side, Anna Davies, Carys Marsh, and Isabel Rowe have all been integral to New
Zealand’s dominance in international rugby league. Their hard work, dedication, and skill on the
field have earned them well-deserved recognition, as they continue to break barriers and elevate the
women’s game globally.
Harry Smith: The Halfback With the World at His Feet.
Harry Smith’s international form has been nothing short of brilliant, and his nomination for the
Men’s International Golden Boot is a testament to his class. As a playmaking halfback, Smith has
demonstrated not only exceptional vision and leadership but also the ability to perform in high-
pressure environments, consistently guiding New Zealand to victories against some of the toughest
opposition in world rugby league.
His ability to orchestrate attacks and his sharp tactical kicking game have made him a standout
player in international matches, and his inclusion in the Golden Boot shortlist cements his place
among the best in the world. For Smith, this recognition will only fuel his desire to continue
evolving as one of the sport’s premier halfbacks.
Anna Davies: The Rising Star of Women’s Rugby League.
Anna Davies has been one of the most electrifying players in women’s rugby league in recent years,
and her Golden Boot nomination is a recognition of her consistent brilliance on the world stage.
Known for her blistering speed, incredible agility, and ability to create scoring opportunities, Davies
has been at the heart of New Zealand’s success in women’s international rugby league.
Whether she’s slicing through defenses with ease or setting up her teammates with pinpoint passes,
Davies has shown time and time again that she’s one of the best playmakers in the women’s game.
Her Golden Boot nomination is a reflection of the hard work and commitment she’s poured into the
game, and it serves as an inspiration for young female players looking to make their mark in the
sport.
Carys Marsh and Isabel Rowe: A Dynamic Duo.
Joining Davies on the women’s shortlist are two more Warriors stars: Carys Marsh and Isabel Rowe.
Both players have had exceptional seasons for New Zealand, with their performances in
international competitions standing out as some of the best in the world.
Carys Marsh’s power and resilience in the forwards, combined with her unyielding work ethic, have
made her one of the toughest and most respected players in the international women’s game.
Marsh’s consistency and impact on the field, whether in attack or defense, have earned her a spot
among the nominees, further solidifying her reputation as a dominant force in rugby league.
Isabel Rowe, meanwhile, has shown immense skill and leadership as a versatile player capable of
making a significant impact wherever she plays. Rowe’s contributions to New Zealand’s
international campaigns have been crucial, and her ability to perform under pressure has made her
one of the standout players of her generation. Rowe’s inclusion in the Golden Boot nominations
speaks to her ability to shine on the world stage and to continually push the boundaries of what’s
possible in women’s rugby league.
Warriors’ Growing Influence in International Rugby League.
The nominations of Smith, Davies, Marsh, and Rowe represent a watershed moment for the
Warriors as a club. With four players on the shortlist for the Golden Boot Awards, the Warriors are
becoming a breeding ground for international talent, with the club’s culture of excellence helping to
elevate its players to the highest levels of the sport.
This recognition not only underscores the individual brilliance of these players but also highlights
the Warriors’ importance in the development of rugby league, particularly in New Zealand. As the
sport continues to grow internationally, the Warriors are positioning themselves at the forefront of
this evolution, contributing heavily to the success of both the men’s and women’s games.
The Future of the Warriors on the World Stage.
As the Golden Boot Award voting heads into its final stages, fans of the Warriors will be eagerly
awaiting the outcome. Regardless of who ultimately takes home the coveted trophy, the
nominations themselves are an incredible achievement for these four players and a sign of the
Warriors’ increasing prominence on the global rugby league stage.
For the Warriors, this is just the beginning. With an ever-growing list of players excelling
internationally, the future of the club is bright, and it’s clear that the Warriors’ influence on the
world game will only continue to expand in the years to come.