The Golden Boot award for the best international players will be announced on Wednesday in Sydney which signifies the end of a massive year of rugby league in 2023.
The four nominees for the award include English halfback Harry Smith, Australian forward Payne Haas and Kiwi internationals James Fisher-Harris and Joseph Tapine.
SEN’s Andrew Voss was flabbergasted that Haas was one of four players in the running for the Golden Boot due to his absence from the international arena and his performances for Australia that fell well below his standard.
“Payne Haas only played two Tests,” Voss said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“How does he get a nomination? This is a farce.
“He sat out the second game (of the Pacific Championship) and played in the final where his team lost 30-0.
“In the final, Haas ran for the least amount of metres in a game this year.
“How does he get nominated? How does this award now fly with any integrity whatsoever?
“This is a farce. Whoever runs the Golden Boot, there needs to be a hint of transparency.”
Despite his strong showing at club level for the Brisbane Broncos, Haas didn’t set the game alight in his only two appearances for the Kangaroos in 2023.
SEN’s Greg Alexander called for serious change to the metrics surrounding the Golden Boot and said the award’s stature in the game should be questioned if Haas were to receive the honour.
“The Golden Boot has lost its meaning,” Alexander said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“If someone can win an award and play two games, one of which they were smashed (then) it takes away from what the Golden Boot used to be.
“How can you be the best player of the year internationally when you are being judged off two or three games?
“It needs to be revamped.”
The 2023 Men’s Golden Boot winner will be unveiled on December 6 in Sydney.