Jade Porter didn't want to finish training this week without a successful field goal attempt.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Michael Hendry and Porter both missed the posts at the end of the same session before Kiah Cooper came in to get the job done.
Little did the Wests halfback know how crucial that drill would turn out to be, as he slotted the winning point against Lakes at Harker Oval on Saturday.
Porter broke the deadlock from 20 metres out and with two minutes left on the clock to give the Rosellas a 19-18 victory in round nine of Newcastle Rugby League.
"I didn't hit it that sweet but it was good enough to go over," Porter, who is on loan from Kurri Kurri, said.
Wests led 12-0 in the early stages but conceded 18 unanswered points and trailed by six late in the second half before Cooper crossed for a try and Hendry kicked a sideline conversion.
The Rosellas sit equal third on the competition ladder while Lakes are equal fifth.
Elsewhere and Wyong have all-but sealed the minor premiership following a 30-20 victory over Souths at Townson Oval on Saturday.
The Roos, who were up 12-0 inside 20 minutes, down 14-12 at the main break and then up again by 16 during the second half, are now four points clear of their nearest rivals with two rounds remaining in the regular season.
Luke Sharpe scored a brace while Cody Boyle, Aaiden Wright and Jack Stringer also found the stripe for Wyong. Ryan Glanville went over twice for Souths while Jack Cameron managed the other four pointer. Lions fullback Lachlan Walmsley kicked three conversions and a penalty goal on half-time.
Cessnock's Brayden Musgrove and Joe Woodbury both nabbed doubles as the Goannas regained outright second spot on the overall standings after accounting for the Pickers 34-16 at Maitland Sportsground on Saturday. Liam Foran and Joseph Barber also crossed while Scott Haynes claimed his first try in Cessnock's top grade. Angus Mackenzie made his debut for the visitors.
Central had the bye.
Teams observed a minute's silence before kick-off in honour of Central's Joel Dark, who died on September 11 five days after collapsing on the field. His funeral will be livestreamed via Zoom on Tuesday at 11am.
LADDER: Wyong 18; Cessnock 14; Souths, Wests 12; Lakes, Central 8; Maitland 4.
While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here
IN THE NEWS: