Naitokatoka nominated for 2025 Golden Boot; strong competitors include Upton, Nicholls, and others.
Naitokatoka has been nominated for the 2025 Golden Boot award, with strong contenders in the mix including Jillaroos star Tamika Upton, Kiwi Ferns fullback Apii Nicholls, rookie sensation Shalom Sauaso from Fetu Samoa, and Cook Islands playmaker Chantay Kiria-Ratu, as reported by raiders.com.au.
Tamika Upton, who has recently secured her second Dally M Medal as the NRLW's player of the year, played a crucial role in Australia's overwhelming 90-4 victory over England at Allegiant Stadium this year, and also shone in the Jillaroos' 60-0 win against Samoa two weeks ago. Although she missed last weekend's 10-4 loss to New Zealand due to a calf injury, she is expected to return for the Pacific Cup final against the Kiwi Ferns on Sunday at CommBank Stadium.
Australian back-rowers Yasmin Clydsdale, Kezie Apps, and Olivia Kernick are also among a long list of nominees for the award, previously claimed by injured Jillaroos playmaker Tarryn Aiken. Her replacement, Jesse Southwell, is included in the nominations, along with centre Isabelle Kelly, the inaugural Women's Golden Boot winner in 2018, and winger Julia Robinson, who gained attention for her remarkable aerial try against Samoa.