Aussie Smith wins Golden Boot

Jamie Peacock has been pipped to the Rugby League World Golden Boot award by Australian Test hooker Cameron Smith.

But the Great Britain captain has been named international forward of the year for the second consecutive time.

Peacock was also included in the annual World XIII, along with Leeds and Lions team-mate Gareth Ellis and Wigan stand-off Trent Barrett.

Tony Smith won the international coach accolade after steering the Lions to a 3-0 series victory over New Zealand.

For the first time, the Golden Boot and the World XIII were decided by a judging panel of 14, which included two websites, giving fans an opportunity to have their say.

Smith topped the voting for the individual award, finishing ahead of Peacock and Australian scrum-half Johnathan Thurston, who was third.

It was a big year for Smith.

The 23-year-old not only captained Australia to a stunning 58-0 victory over New Zealand in October, he also skippered Melbourne Storm to the NRL crown and helped Queensland win the State of Origin.

"I'm quite shocked," Smith told Rugby League World magazine.

"It's capped off a great year and I'm made up to have won it. It's a season I will remember for the rest of my life."

Queensland coach Mal Meninga, who won the award in 1990, was delighted with Smith's win.

"The Golden Boot is a fantastic award to win and Cameron thoroughly deserves it," said the rugby league legend.

Source: BBC Sport