- Payne Haas shortlisted for the Golden Boot
- Veteran left commentator Andrew Voss was stunned
- Haas, 24, has made just two appearances for the Kangaroos in 2023
Veteran NRL commentator Andrew Voss has branded the Golden Boot nominations a 'farce' after it emerged Kangaroos prop Payne Haas had been shortlisted for the award.
Speaking on SEN Radio, Voss was stunned to hear Haas was in the race as his two appearances for the Kangaroos this year did not reach his usual high standard in the engine room.
“Payne Haas only played two Tests,” Voss said on Tuesday. 'How did he get a nomination? This is a farce.
'He sat out the second match (of the Pacific Championship) and played in the final where his team lost 30-0 (to New Zealand).
'In the final, Haas ran the fewest number of meters in a race this year.
Veteran NRL commentator Andrew Voss has branded the Golden Boot nominations a 'farce' after it emerged Kangaroos Payne Haas had been shortlisted for the award
Haas was one of NSW's better players in the State of Origin series defeat, and was a key figure as the Broncos marched to the NRL grand final – but players are nominated based on how they aim for their country
'How does he get nominated? Now how does this award fly with any integrity?
“Whoever runs the Golden Boot, there needs to be a touch of transparency.”
Haas was one of NSW's better players in the State of Origin series defeat, and was a key figure as the Brisbane Broncos marched to the NRL grand final.
But players are nominated based on how they want to reach their country.
Rugby league great Greg Alexander – Voss' colleague on SEN – was also dismayed, saying 'the Golden Boot has lost its meaning.'
“How can you be the best player of the year internationally if you are judged over two or three games,” he asked.
The other nominees for the Golden Shoe are England halfback Harry Smith, New Zealand prop James Fisher-Harris and his Kiwi teammate Joseph Tapine.
The winner will be revealed in Sydney on December 6.