League: Cooper Cronk wins Golden Boot award as world's best player

Storm halfback Cooper Cronk has been voted the best player in the world to win the Golden Boot award. Photo / Getty Images.

Australian halfback Cooper Cronk has capped a stellar year by winning his first Golden Boot Award as the world's best player.

The Melbourne No.7 took out the top prize ahead of fellow nominees, Storm teammate Cameron Smith, North Queensland's Jason Taumalolo and Brisbane No.1 Darius Boyd.

The Golden Boot is decided by a panel of experts including ex-winner Darren Lockyer.

It completes a superb season by Cronk.

He won his second Dally M Medal in 2016, sharing top honours with Taumalolo.

Cronk, 33, was a key to Melbourne clinching the NRL minor premiership before the Storm lost the grand final to Cronulla.

He also featured in Queensland's State of Origin series triumph and was named player of the tournament after steering Australia to Four Nations success at the end of year.

Cronk also became the 25th member of the NRL's 300-game club in 2016, his 13th season.

- AAP