FORMER Saints prop James Graham believes the storm of criticism in Australia over the awarding of the Golden Boot to Tommy Makinson was down to a misunderstanding over the criteria.

New South Wales coach, the 38-times capped Brad Fittler was one of the most outspoken of the critics, claiming to have never heard of the Saints wing.

Makinson added a player of the series award to his Golden Boot for his performance in the three-match test series against New Zealand.

But that had failed to register in Australian thinking.

But St George-Illawarra prop Graham explained it may be down to a misunderstanding over what criteria Golden Boot is awarded for.

He said: “It was just a little bit of a sound grab from Brad and misunderstanding what the Golden Boot is awarded for.

“In the past it has been for the best player overall – out of all competitions, Super League, NRL, State of Origin and test matches – the lot.

“But they have changed the eligibility for it.

“Within recent years it has gone to the best international player.

“Origin is massive over there, but that doesn’t count in the voting for Golden Boot, but unfortunately Brad Fittler has not been aware of that.

“People assume that Golden Boot is for the best player in the World, but the criteria have changed. They have only played two international games this year – they beat Tonga and lost to New Zealand.

“With England winning a series, you knew it was going to go to an English player.

“If Elliot Whitehead had won it then there would not have been anything from the Australians because they know him from playing in the NRL.”