Brad Dwyer on that drop goal
3 Apr 2019
The 25-year-old former Warrington Wolves player coolly slotted the first drop goal of his career from 40 metres out to earn the Rhinos a dramatic 21-20 golden-point victory over Castleford last Thursday.
“I’d feel a bit awkward doing one now after what’s happened,?? said Dwyer. “I don’t think I’ll top that.??
The goal caught Leeds coach Dave Furner by surprise but Dwyer’s former Warrington team-mate and coach Lee Briers revealed drop goals were something of a party piece in training at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
However, Dwyer admits his accuracy frequently deserted him to such an extent that he was warned off the trick by former Wolves assistant boss Richard Agar.
“It’s something I’ve always done messing around in training,?? Dwyer added.
“Agar used to go mad at me because one of his players at Hull got knocked out from it.
“He got hit on the back of the head and I’m sure I’ve hit Tony Smith in training as well before.
“I might retire one from one. I’ll finish on a good one and leave it to one of the half-backs.??
Leeds go to Hull KR on Thursday still bottom of the table after fellow strugglers Huddersfield Giants and Wigan Warriors also picked up round-eight victories but captain Kallum Watkins insists there are no thoughts about relegation.
“We’re not thinking about that,?? he said. “For us it’s all about getting that consistency and a good run of games where we’re winning and we’ll climb up the table from that.??
The Rhinos have suffered a blow with the loss of scrum-half Richie Myler to suspension, while Rovers are set to be boosted by the return from injury of ex-Leeds captain and half-back Danny McGuire.
“That’s good for them,?? Watkins admitted. “We’ve got to be wary of his threats and what he brings to their team.
“What he did for our club was absolutely fantastic. I’ve got massive respect for him. I played pretty much all my career with him and it was a bit strange playing against him last year.??
England international Watkins, who is back in the side after recovering from a bruised knee, has found himself in the shadow of fellow centre Konrad Hurrell, whose blockbusting runs on the other side of the field have made him the talk of Betfred Super League.
“He’s deserves it as well because he’s been fantastic for us,?? Watkins said.
“It takes a little bit away from me which is probably going to help my game. Through the years there’s been a lot of pressure on me to perform.
“He’s someone that we needed in terms of his character and how he plays as well. He’s a big strong lad, we’ve just got to give him the ball early so that he can cause some trouble.
“He’s a good fella as well, he’s fun to be around.??
Leeds have won on their last six visits to Craven Park going back to 2011.
