GARETH O’Brien is preparing to get the drop on Hull KR again if a first ever Betfred Challenge Cup Final extends to golden point.
Then with Salford, O’Brien landed one of rugby league’s most memorable single-pointers of modern times to break Rovers’ hearts in the 2016 Million Pound Game.
And he is ready to reprise those sharp shooting heroics even with a new marksman on the block.
Brad Schneider’s stunning drop goal against Wigan last month booted the Robins to a first Wembley final in eight years.
That effort reprised Schneider’s success against Leeds Rhinos in the previous game and on his first appearance since arriving from Canberra Raiders.
“To come over from Australia, be part of two intense games like that and to knock over both field goals, it is pretty special,” agreed O’Brien. “He is definitely one we are going to look out for in the final.”
But Leopards’ in-form full-back will be ready to fire first should the occasion demand.
“Hopefully, we won’t need a one-pointer to seal the game and it will be more comfortable than that,” said the 31-year-old who made a try-scoring debut as a senior for Warrington in an 80-0 victory over Keighley in 2011.
“We have spoken about it. It might not even fall to me so everyone needs to get their own practice in. But we have got some brilliant kickers who can slot over field goals.”
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So, what is the secret of a successful drop goal?
“To me, it is all about how you drop the ball,” he revealed.
“If you drop it any other way than straight, it will hit the ground and deviate in any sort of direction. It is all in the drop of the ball and keeping your head down.
“Any sort of wonky drop definitely will effect whether it goes over.”
O’Brien travelled to Wembley 11 years ago but wasn’t part of the matchday squad for Warrington’s final win over Leeds.
He returned with Castleford a decade later, kicked two goals but finished on the losing side as St Helens ran out 26-12 winners.
“I know how much getting back to Wembley means to the town of Leigh and for Derek Beaumont,” he explained.
“Leigh have been a yo-yo team in recent years but this year has been pretty special so far. It will be the cherry on the top if we can get the win at Wembley.”
O'Brien kicked his first drop goal for the club as he put the nail in Leeds Rhinos' coffin at Headingley on Sunday, ensuring Leigh head to Wembley on the back of a Betfred Super League win.
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