Rugby League: Brent Webb relaxed about time limit on kicks

3.00pm

They're calling it the Webb Rule -- and embarrassed as he is, New Zealand Warriors fullback Brent Webb points out that none of his teammates have ever invoked a change to National Rugby League regulations.

Webb, who arrived yesterday at Mount Maunganui with the Warriors for a three-day training camp, has inspired an NRL fine for his sluggish on-field goalkicking deeds last season.

Webb's laboured kicking style drew the ire of opponents last season and the NRL this week acted to impose a time limit on conversion and penalty attempts.

The Sydney Roosters were particularly aggrieved in September, claiming fans were short-changed because Webb took 10 minutes and 16 seconds of game time to take his seven shots at goal.

Roosters skipper Brad Fittler described the time Webb took to line up his shots as "an absolute joke" -- although the joke, as it proved, was on Fittler.

Webb's seven shots at goal took 10 minutes and 16 seconds of game time, or 88sec per kick.

Fittler's own sole, badly askew kick attempt took 91sec.

Webb, 22, was jeered at that match and subsequent games involving the Warriors, although coach Daniel Anderson was quick to point out his pint-sized fullback wasn't breaking any rules.

Should he be handed the kicking tee this season, Webb now has 90sec to launch his kicks after a try is scored, or the Warriors risk a fine starting at A$2000 ($2295).

Kickers have the same time to attempt a penalty, with the clock winding down as soon as the referee awards it.

Webb, who matured at fullback last season, saw the lighter side of the NRL rule change he'd inspired.

"The boys have all been giving me a bit of grief about it and the time it takes me to line my kicks up," he said.

"There's been a bit of talk that if the club is whacked with a $2000 fine because of me that it'll come out of my wages. I've made it pretty clear to Daniel that there's no chance of that happening!"

Webb, who has taken up to two minutes to place kick a ball, knew the rule change was imminent and had worked during the offseason to quicken the pace.

"There's four of us -- myself, Tony Martin, Sione Faumuina and Marcus Perenara -- who are practising, so there's some depth there this season.

"I've had the stopwatch on me a bit so felt quite rushed but I don't think I'll have a problem adapting during the regular season if Daniel wants me to kick.

"It's just a routine I have that works for me and I've never thought I took too long. It's like golf -- your pre-shot routine takes a certain amount of time and you get the best results by sticking to it."

Webb went home to the searing heat of Cairns for a month during the offseason and returned to the Warriors with another 5kg on his diminutive 1.75m frame -- "I'm not telling the guys, but I got it by spending a fair amount of time at the pub."

Plucked from North Queensland by Anderson, who saw his raw-boned potential, Webb has revelled in the Warriors setup.

"Auckland has been the making of me as a footie player and it's easily the best move I've ever made. I honestly couldn't say where I'd be right now if I wasn't at the Warriors but more than likely it'd be back at the pub I worked at pulling beers."

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES