"I was pretty aware of the players who'd won it before because they were players that I grew up watching like Stacey Jones and Andrew Johns. Then there were the current players that I admire like Thurston. To receive it is pretty unreal to be honest.
"I felt I finished the year really well and was able to take that into the Four Nations and was really happy with how I played for the Kiwis.
The panel of 13 judges comprised representatives from Australia, England, France and New Zealand, including former Golden Boot winner Garry Schofield, ex-Great Britain coach Brian Noble and past Kiwi internationals Robbie Hunter-Paul and Daryl Halligan.
On a six-man shortlist. Johnson claimed 44 points, Burgess 23, with James Graham third on 18 and Greg Inglis fourth with 17. Two-time winner Thurston - who missed the Four Nations through injury - polled 13 points and Kiwi prop Jesse Bromwich two.
"As is always the case with the Rugby League World Golden Boot, we asked the judges to consider the performances on the international stage first and foremost, and it's undeniable that Shaun Johnson had the biggest impact at that level in 2014," Rugby League World editor Gareth Walker said.
"Throughout the entire tournament he provided a devastating mix of organising the New Zealand side and producing moments of individual brilliance himself."
PAA ptj/
-AAP