Broncos’ NRLW coach Kelvin Wright says Ali Brigginshaw deserves to be recognised as the best female rugby league player on the planet.
The Broncos’ NRLW captain has been shortlisted for the award along with Dally M winner, NSW and Dragons’ centre Jess Sergis.
The award winners for the Golden Boot, now run and owned by the International Rugby League body, will be named after this weekend’s international season closes with matches between the men’s Great Britain and Papua New Guinea teams, and a clash between the English and PNG women in Port Moresby.
Brigginshaw was not even short listed for the 2019 Dally M Women’s Player of the Year award, despite leading the Broncos to back-to-back NRLW titles.
But that form combined with her scintillating displays for the Jillaroos last month, has Wright certain she deserves to take the recognition as the International Player of the Year.
Wright said it was Brigginshaw’s complete game that differentiated her from the rest.
“From my point of view from watching across the NRLW season and the international games this year, she has the biggest impact on games,” said Wright.
“In the big moments, she wants the ball and invariably makes the right decisions.
“But she is also the best at the little things, the small, important moments in a game – like kick pressures or making a key tackle in defence.
“So it is not only the big moments, but also the little things that she excels in, and sometimes as a coach those are the things you see and appreciate.
“She is truly a special player and she deserves to win the Golden Boot award.”
The winners of both the men’s and women’s Golden Boot will be announced on Sunday, with Kiwis Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Roger Tuivasa-Scheck and Tongan prop Sio Siau Taukieaho in contention.
