By Buford Balony
Benji Marshall, the superstar five-eighth of the Wests Tigers and captain of the New Zealand Test team, has been honored with one of the sport’s highest achievements by winning the 2010 Rugby League Golden Boot Award.
Entering its 25th year, this esteemed award is given to the top international player in the game. Marshall triumphed over other nominees, including Shaun Kenny Dowall (NZ), Paul Gallen (Australia), James Graham (England), Billy Slater (Australia), and Sam Thaiday (Australia).
“To win this award, especially after recovering from three shoulder surgeries, claiming the Four Nations title, and having my best season since joining the NRL, is incredibly overwhelming,’’ Marshall commented.
“I’m extremely thrilled. This is certainly something I will not take lightly.”
The voting panel was comprised of three former Golden Boot recipients: Wally Lewis, Hugh McGahan, and Stacey Jones, as well as other notable figures, including former Great Britain international Garry Schofield, ex England Rugby League coach Phil Larder, broadcaster and former NSW coach Phil Gould, former France coach Louis Bonnery, along with journalists and fans from both hemispheres.
While announcing the winner, Rugby League World magazine editor John Drake referred to Marshall as the clear victor.
“Benji Marshall achieved a landslide victory, receiving maximum points from 11 out of the 13 voting panel members,’’ Drake stated.
“The Golden Boot award honors a full year’s worth of performances at both domestic and international levels.
“Marshall’s match-winning display in the most significant game of the season, the Four Nations final against Australia, showcased his undeniable class. The finest athletes shine brightest on the grandest stages.”
In 2010, Marshall played an instrumental role in leading Wests Tigers to the preliminary finals, having participated in every match this season. His contract with the Wests Tigers extends until the conclusion of the 2015 season, ensuring he remains ‘a Tiger for life’.
Tim Sheens, Coach of Wests Tigers and the Australian team, noted that Marshall faced significant challenges this year.
“I’m thrilled for Benji and he truly deserves this,’’ Sheens expressed.
“There were moments when the circumstances weren’t favorable for him. Midway through the season, he faced immense pressure from critics.
“His ability to navigate through those challenges to win this award speaks volumes about his tenacity and commitment to succeeding.”
Previous Golden Boot winners:
1984 Wally Lewis (Australia)
1985 Brett Kenny (Australia)
1986 Garry Jack (Australia)
1987 Hugh McGahan (New Zealand) & Peter Sterling (Australia)
1988 Ellery Hanley (Great Britain)
1989 Mal Meninga (Australia)
1990-1998 No award presented
1999 Andrew Johns (Australia)
2000 Brad Fittler (Australia)
2001 Andrew Johns (Australia)
2002 Stacey Jones (New Zealand)
2003 Darren Lockyer (Australia)
2004 Andrew Farrell (Great Britain)
2005 Anthony Minichiello (Australia)
2006 Darren Lockyer (Australia)
2007 Cameron Smith (Australia)
2008 Billy Slater (Australia)
2009 Greg Inglis (Australia)
Buford Balony says: To Russell Crowe.
I recall you mentioning a few weeks back that Greg Inglis was the LeBron James of Rugby League. I argued that Benji Marshall was the one who could truly be compared to him, and, astonishingly, he has just clinched the Golden Boot award. Russell, why not stick to your overinflated acting career in subpar films and leave sports to us award-winning sports writers?
