Huddersfield Giants star Jermaine McGillvary shortlisted for Golden Boot award

Jermaine Mcgillvary . PIcture: Brendon Ratnayake/SWpix.com/PhotosportNZ

The 29-year scored 19 tries in 26 games for his West Yorkshire club this term, but it is on the international scene where he has really caught attention.

McGillvary crossed in the mid-season Test against Samoa and added another six tries in just four World Cup games ahead of this morning’s semi-final after taking the competition by storm.

However, he faces some stiff competition for the prestigious award. Australia captain Cameron Smith – who helped Melbourne Storm to another NRL title, oversaw Queensland’s latest State of Origin success and yesterday guided holders Kangaroos to the World Cup final – is looking to win it for a second time after last doing so in 2007.

Also on the four-man list is Jason Taumalolo, the explosive back-row who this season signed a staggering 10-year deal with North Queensland Cowboys, helped them to another Grand Final and became the first forward in NRL history to make more than 5,000 metres in a single season.

He controversially swapped New Zealand for Tonga ahead of the World Cup and then helped them stun the Kiwis in the pool stages before reaching their first semi-final.

Lastly, Fiji winger Suliasi Vunivalu – who scored his ninth try of the tournament in yesterday’s semi-final loss to Australia – is also in the reckoning.

Vunivalu, 21, enjoyed a stunning debut season for Melbourne in 2016 and has backed that up brilliantly this term.

He again finished as the NRL’s top try-scorer with 23 efforts, featured in Storm’s Grand Final win and Fiji’s famous World Cup quarter-final victory over the Kiwis.

If, though, McGillvary did claim the Golden Boot he would only be the fifth Englishman to do since its inception in 1984. The last was then Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield in 2012.

The shortlist was compiled by a panel featuring League Express editor Martyn Sadler, journalist Steve Mascord, Australia coach Mal Meninga – who won the Golden Boot in 1989 – and Scotland’s Steve McCormack. The victor will be announced next Wednesday.