Titans NRLW captain Georgia Hale has created Gold Coast history, bestowed with International Rugby League’s highest honour after being awarded the 2023 female Golden Boot on Wednesday.
The Kiwi Ferns leader was instrumental in her nation’s triumph against Australia in the recent Pacific Championships, breaking a seven-year drought that included two heartbreaking World Cup defeats to the Jillaroos who hadn’t been beaten since 2016.
Hale is the first Titan to win the prestigious award and first forward to win the female Golden Boot in her ninth year of representing New Zealand, declaring the tremendous achievement is one of her top feats in the 28-year-old’s impressive rugby league career.
“I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet. We play a team sport to chase championships, premierships and World Cups.. not individual accolades, but I just feel very humbled and honoured to receive the Golden Boot,” she said.
“When I think of the team I represent in the Kiwi Ferns and the players that have come before me and the future Ferns to come alongside the pillar of strength in my family behind me, I just feel very proud as a young Kiwi girl to receive this on behalf of them.
“It's taken me aback a little bit, but I’m very thankful to be in the position I’m in to receive this award.”
2023 Golden Boot: Georgia Hale
Titans CEO Steve Mitchell said the Gold Coast is incredibly proud of Hale’s recognition which has also seen the NRLW leader create club history.
"Georgia is a relentless and inspiring athlete, an extraordinary captain and is balanced by her very caring, humble and selfless nature, which makes her an extraordinary human being. I can’t think of anyone more deserving to win this year’s Golden Boot,” Mitchell said.
"A big part of our success this year was due to Georgia’s leadership on and off the field, and there is no doubt her impact and influence with the Kiwi Ferns at the recent Pacific Championships led to their triumph over both Tonga and the Jillaroos.
“Her much-deserved recognition is also a really proud moment for our club, with Georgia creating history as the first Titan to win the Golden Boot in our 17-year history.
“She is a role model for the Gold Coast, and achieving this accolade on the international stage will inspire the next generation of athletes in our community.”
Hale edged out Kiwi Fern teammates Mele Hufanga and Apii Nicholls, as well as rival fullback Tamika Upton to become the second New Zealander to win the Golden Boot after Raecene McGregor.
