New Zealand full-back Roger Tuivasa-Sheck says he is ‘honoured’ after the winning the 2019 Golden Boot award. The 26-year-old returned to action in 2019 after missing the entire 2018 campaign due to injury but was unable to help club side New Zealand Warriors challenge for the NRL Grand Final as they finished outside the play-offs in 13th. Domestically he played 23 matches in the NRL and scored seven tries, but it was his performances for the Kiwis which caught the eye. He played both Tests against Great Britain this month, helping New Zealand win 12-8 and 23-8 against Wayne Bennett’s side. Tuivasa-Sheck is now recognised as the best international player in the world, beating Tonga’s Siosiua Taukeiaho and international team-mate Jared Waeraa-Hargreaves to land the award. He told reporters: “Putting on the black and white jersey and representing my country is always a privilege and winning this Golden Boot award is a huge honour. “Thank you to the IRL, NZRL and, of course, my family, as without their love and support, none of this would be possible. “This year’s campaign has been one to remember, and although being away from my family was difficult, this makes it all worth it, this award is for them.”
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