Powell kicks Wigan to victory
9 Jun 2019
Wigan Warriors hooker Sam Powell kicked a huge late drop goal to deny Tony Smith a win in his first match since replacing Tim Sheens as Hull Kingston Rovers boss.
The teams were level until Powell launched a massive kick from 45 metres with two minutes remaining to prevent golden-point extra-time and seal a 19-18 victory for the visitors.
The champions’ dramatic success took them above Huddersfield into eighth place in the Betfred Super League table on points difference.
Rovers, who missed their own drop goal attempt through Josh Drinkwater three seconds from time, remain second bottom despite London Broncos upsetting leaders St Helens in equally dramatic fashion.
Hull KR trailed 14-6 at half-time but led 18-14 14 minutes into the second half thanks to tries from makeshift half back Will Dagger and Wigan-born substitute Ryan Lannon.
Adrian Lam’s side equalised with 15 minutes remaining when George Williams and Willie Isa combined and Liam Marshall finished in the corner.
Powell then sent his drop goal soaring through the posts to complete Wigan’s win.
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A Sam Powell drop goal seals a late victory for @WiganWarriorsRL #SLHkrWig pic.twitter.com/mq9MiiPcWo
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 9, 2019
Wigan boss Adrian Lam said: "Amazing. Sam took his time to do it. Special moments like that can turn things around."
Hull KR head coach Tony Smith said: "It was a good effort and there is a lot to work with. While teams are trying hard you can work with that. And it could have gone either way."
