Newcastle Knights Duo Recognised Among World's Best
Newcastle Knights captain Yasmin Clydsdale and former star halfback Jesse Southwell have received prestigious nominations for rugby league's highest individual honour - the Golden Boot award. The International Rugby League recognition comes after both players delivered outstanding performances for the Australian Jillaroos during the recent Pacific Championships.
Jillaroos Dominate Pacific Cup Final
The Australian women's rugby league team delivered another commanding performance, successfully defending their Pacific Cup crown with a 40-8 victory over New Zealand at CommBank Stadium on Sunday. This dominant display came just one week after being tested in a tight 10-4 encounter in Auckland, demonstrating the team's ability to lift for major occasions.
Twenty-year-old Jesse Southwell, who recently turned down a seven-year offer from the Knights to join Brisbane, showcased her exceptional talent during the final. The young halfback combined effectively with Knights hooker Olivia Higgins, who was a late inclusion due to injuries, before executing a perfect crossfield kick for winger Julia Robinson to score early in the match.
Southwell's kicking game proved impeccable throughout the contest, successfully converting six from seven conversion attempts. Her international debut against Samoa two weeks ago has been followed by three standout performances in the Pacific Championships, making her Golden Boot nomination particularly impressive given her limited time in the national squad.
Established Stars and Rising Talent Shine
Thirty-one-year-old Yasmin Clydsdale has been a consistent presence in the Jillaroos lineup since 2022, and her nomination recognises her sustained excellence at international level. The second-rower's leadership qualities have been evident both for Newcastle and Australia, making her a strong contender for the global award.
Julia Robinson emerged as another potential Golden Boot candidate after being named Player of the Pacific Cup final. The flying winger scored two tries in the decider, including the early four-pointer from Southwell's precision kick.
Former Knights superstar Tamika Upton, who collected her second Dally M Medal this year, also appears likely to feature prominently in Golden Boot considerations. Upton was among six different try-scorers for Australia in the comprehensive victory, highlighting the team's attacking versatility.
The Jillaroos established their dominance early in the final, racing to a 24-0 lead after just 31 minutes. Although New Zealand managed two second-half tries, including one to Knights centre Shanice Parker, the Australian team never appeared threatened. The victory represents Australia's biggest win over the Kiwi Ferns in three years.
Australia's performance throughout the Pacific Championships has reinforced their status as overwhelming favourites for next year's World Cup on home soil. The Jillaroos have now won the past three global tournaments and have lost just one Test match since 2016.
New Zealand remain Australia's primary challengers internationally, though they will need significant improvement to threaten the Jillaroos' supremacy. Samoa has shown promising development during the Pacific Cup, briefly leading New Zealand 20-0 in their encounter before being overhauled, though they suffered a 60-0 defeat against Australia a fortnight earlier.
The Golden Boot award, won last year by injured Sydney Roosters half Tarryn Aiken, is judged exclusively on international performances. With the World Cup approaching, the recognition of Clydsdale, Southwell and their Jillaroos teammates underscores the depth of talent available to Australia as they prepare to defend their title on home soil.
