Roosters NRLW star Tarryn Aiken given golden boot honour to cap dream season

It’s just her year. Sydney Roosters star Tarryn Aiken could not have asked for anything more in 2024, after adding one of rugby league’s most prestigious trophies to her collection.

Sydney Roosters and Jillaroos star Tarryn Aiken has capped a dream season by winning the Golden Boot award, announced on Tuesday night.

The 25-year-old halfback was unanimously voted as the best international women’s rugby league player of 2024 amid a starring shortlist, including Jillaroos fullback Tamika Upton and centre Tiana Penitani, Fetu Samoa captain Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala, Kiwi Ferns second-rower Annessa Biddle and England skipper Jodie Cunningham.

Tarryn Aiken (left) has capped off a stellar premiership-winning 2024 season with the golden boot. Picture: NRL Imagery

Aiken was exceptional for the Jillaroos in their undefeated run through the Pacific Cup, which included a try and a try assist in the 24-4 win over the Kiwi Ferns in the tournament final on November 10, earning her player of the match.

It brings an end to a massive season for one of the NRLW’s brightest talents.

Earlier this season she helped Queensland to victory in the first three-game State of Origin series, before winning the NRLW premiership with the Roosters and the Karyn Murphy Medal for the best player in the decider.

Aiken was named player of the match in the Pacific Cup final. Picture: NRL Imagery

And won the Karyn Murphy Medal for the best player in the grand final. Picture: NRL Imagery

She is the first Jillaroos player to win the Golden Boot award in three years after Kiwi Ferns stars Georgia Hale and Raecene McGregor were honoured in 2023 and 2022.

“On behalf of the IRL Board I wish to congratulate Tarryn Aiken for adding the 2024 IRL Golden Boot to the collection of awards and accolades she has received this season,” said IRL chair Troy Grant.

“Tarryn has enjoyed a season which most players can only dream of, and she shone on the biggest stage at every level of the game, including internationally in the Pacific Cup.

Aiken was also instrumental in the Maroons State of Origin series win. Picture: NRL Imagery

“The standard of women’s rugby league continues to rise at a rapid pace and players like Tarryn are showing the way for the talent emerging behind them.

“There were many other worthy performers at international level in 2024 and the IRL Board is grateful to have judges with the standing of Karyn Murphy, Honey Hireme-Smiler and Danika Priim to decide the Golden Boot winner.”

Aiken will receive the award during a presentation with the men’s winner at rugby league headquarters in Sydney on Friday.