Kelly pipped Jillaroos teammates Ali Brigginshaw and Brittany Breayley for the award, along with Kiwi Ferns winger Honey Hireme and England's Georgia Roche.

"Just to be nominated for the Golden Boot, I was so excited," Kelly told NRL.com.

"To be the actual winner, words can't explain," she said.

The 22-year-old scored two tries for Australia in the final of the Women's Rugby League World Cup last year before scoring a double against the Kiwi Ferns in their Test match last month.

The Rooster and NSW centre dedicated the win to her family.

"My dad, he is my number one role model, and he was over the moon. He hasn't stopped talking about it," Kelly said.

"Also my recently new fiancé was over the moon and he also hasn't stopped talking about it - he's so proud of me and wouldn't be where I am if it wasn't for those two," she said.

The award recognises the most outstanding performance of players in international matches and covered all fully sanctioned international games played from last December's World Cup final to last week's second Test between England and New Zealand.

The award is chosen by a panel drawn from rugby league media in both the northern and southern hemispheres including NRL.com senior reporter Brad Walter and BBC commentator Dave Woods.