Makinson claims Golden Boot award

St Helens wing Tommy Makinson became just the fifth Englishman to be awarded the Rugby League World Golden Boot Award.

Makinson, 27, claimed the award ahead of England team-mate Elliott Whitehead, Australia's James Tedesco and New Zealand captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

He became the first England player since Kevin Sinfield (2012) to win the prize – which is chosen by a media panel – and just the fifth since 1984.

Makinson has enjoyed a fine season, including scoring a hat-trick in England's win over New Zealand on Sunday.

"It's pretty special, not something I thought I was going to be in with a chance for at the start of the night," he said.

"Even to be nominated was something special and to come away with, it means so much to me."

"It means so much to me after all the hard work I've put in." Sensational year with England - @TommyMak21 is the 2018 RLIF Golden Boot winner! pic.twitter.com/AFuJV2zXj1

— England Rugby League (@England_RL) November 7, 2018