"We hadn't spoken about it," said Kahu. "I just started thinking about it; if we got another point it would push us out to just over a try. So I started drifting in towards the end of the game and I was hoping to take it."
Up in the coaching box, Stephen Kearney hadn't issued instructions for a one point shot, but noticed the centre had made his plan.
"I could see [Jordan] shift himself to the middle of the field and it was obvious he was going to have a crack," said Kearney. "He's got a good strike of the footy - thankfully."
Kahu's kick was even more impressive when you consider the Broncos player hadn't snapped one for almost 10 years.
"I think the last one I took was at high school," said Kahu. "We were in a Queensland final with a similar situation - we were up by six. Similar to that one."
Kahu, who still holds bitter memories of the Cowboys' grand final escape, was wary - "[even] after I hit that drop goal I knew anything could happen because I have lost within a minute before" - but it was a vital blow.
For long periods of the second half the Kiwis had threatened the English line - at one stage forcing three goal line drop outs within quick succession - but hadn't been able to extend their 8-2 advantage after Shaun Kenny-Dowall's 42nd minute try.
Momentum was building for the home side, who only needed a draw to seal the series win (as holders from their 2007 series victory). And when Kodi Nikorima spilled the ball over the try line with five minutes to play, it felt like it might not be the Kiwis day.
But then Kahu stepped up, taking rare responsibility for a new player.
"The older boys have taken us under their wings and made us feel equal so we don't feel out of place in this team," said Kahu. "We know we have jobs to do as young players. Anyway, we are playing for our nation. There is no waiting for any other players to step up and do it. We need to step up and take the opportunities as they come."
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