Tonga’s Jason Taumalolo and Siosiua Taukeiaho have been nominated for the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) Golden Boot award.

The National Rugby League reports the Tongan duo joins a list of English, New Zealand, and Australian players also in contention.

They include Kiwi stars Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Penrith) and Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Australia's Boyd Cordner (Sydney Roosters), James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters), and Valentine Holmes (Cronulla), and from England, Tommy Makinson (St Helens), John Bateman (Wigan, 2019 Raiders recruit), and Elliot Whitehead (Raiders).

Both Taumalolo (North Qld Cowboys) and Taukeiaho (Sydney Roosters) have had great seasons with Taumalolo winning the Daly M Lock awards for the third time, and Taukeiaho winning the NRL Premiership with the Sydney Roosters this year.

Taumalolo was also nominated for the 2017 RLIF Golden Boot award last year and was runner-up to winner Australia’s Cameron Smith.

The award is presented to the player who has produced the most outstanding performances in international games since last year’s World Cup final.

This list of nominations is determined by a panel of experts from the rugby league media across the world who will meet again after 4 November to select the final short list.

According to the NRL, there will also be a golden boot award for the best players in the Women’s game for the first time this year.

Winners of the RLIF Golden Boot 2018 will receive their awards at a dinner at Elland Road, Leeds on November 7.