K ANE ABLE T O LIFT
IT was one of tries of his life.
But Cowboys centre Kane Linnett insists he “got lucky” after hanging on to a bullet- like pass from Michael Morgan in last week’s preliminary final win.
The Roosters had just taken the lead in the second half but a flying Linnett somehow held on to Morgan’s pass to wrest back momentum.
“It just unfolded. Myself and Lowey ( Ethan Lowe) run pretty good lines and it’s probably a strength in my game.
“I knew it was on off a quick playthe- ball. It came like a rocket and I was just lucky it stuck.
“They were in front, it was quite an important try to get us back on track and it was good to do it against the old club.”
A left centre for most of his 174game NRL career, the 28- year- old has been stationed on the right since round 24 and his form has blossomed.
Being on the same edge as Morgan, arguably the form player of the competition, undoubtedly helps.
“It gave me a bit of a challenge the most important playing on an edge with different players. Obviously Morgo’s a bit of freak and I just have to be in the right spot,” Linnett said.
“I played a lot of right side before I came into the NRL, like in the NSW Cup, and I’ve relished it.
“Obviously Morgo’s in great form and some teams are trying to get their attack down that edge and I try and help him out in defence as well.
“Playing on that ( left) side for so long with ( winger) Antonio ( Winterstein) we’ve got that connection, but with Feldty ( Kyle Feldt) we’ve been doing a really good job.
“I carry the ball in my right hand and it feels a bit more natural. I’ve hit some decent form at the right time of the year, but there's things to improve.”
In previous years Linnett would have the task of shutting down Melbourne’s Test centre Will Chambers in tomorrow’s grand final, but isn’t underestimating Storm young gun Curtis Scott. He backed Justin O’Neill, who only returned from a dislocated elbow in the semi- final win over Parramatta two weeks ago, to shut down Chambers.
“Juzee is a great defender and has played in big games before, I’m sure he’ll be right,” Linnett said. “Chambers is a really good player and that side will have to be on guard but I’m going to have my hands full too.