NRL: Match-winner admits kicking nerves

Denan Kemp was relieved when his sideline conversion ensured his tired teammates didn't have to play extra time last weekend. Photo / Greg Bowker

Denan Kemp signalled his arrival on the league scene in 2007 with a brilliant 75m solo try for the Broncos against the Sea Eagles at Manly in his debut game. It was voted that season's third-best in the NRL.

Then, the week after he signed with the Warriors in May 2008, he celebrated with a Broncos record-equalling four tries against Parramatta.

The quality of the other two players who have scored four times in a game speaks volumes - Steve Renouf and Lote Tuqiri.

Kemp played soccer from age six to late teens, representing Queensland at the round ball game and on a trip to England playing against the Manchester United juniors, none of whose names he can remember.

He was talent-spotted by chance when he went with mates to a schools league tournament and attracted immediate interest from the Broncos.

In two seasons there he scored 20 tries from 28 matches - 19 in his 24 games last year.

Kemp reckons Manu Vatuvei may be faster than him, Brent Tate is pretty quick and perhaps Jerome Ropati has it over them all in the first 20m off the mark. He doesn't recall a 40m or 100m time. But as a schoolboy rookie he beat the two fastest 40m times recorded at the Broncos, by wing Leon Bott and Auckland-born backrower Fraser Anderson.

He's also humble about his goal-kicking ability despite having nailed a sideline conversion to win the game against Manly last weekend with just 28s left on the clock.

"I knew we'd have to go into extra time if I missed it and we were pretty tired."

The heat at Brookvale Oval took a toll, with several players suffering heat exhaustion and skipper Steve Price vomiting repeatedly afterwards.

He was nervous as he lined up the ball, he said. He kicked goals for the Brisbane Colts for a while, but last season couldn't practice much because of a groin injury.

But eight goals from 11 attempts so far this year proves his worth. He clearly has no problems with range, and work with former Warrior and All Black Frano Botica is sure to hone his accuracy.

While he is "enjoying kicking", Kemp isn't happy with all his form.

"It was a mixed game [against Manly], there were some lapses in concentration."

He booted a kick-off out on the full - "I'm not going to do that again" - and had a mix-up with fullback Wade McKinnon over a high ball. He rebounded and so did the team, twice coming from behind to secure the win.

This is Kemp's first game against his old team and he'll treat it as "another NRL game".

He is aware of the speed of opposing wing Jharal Yow Yeh - Kemp's one flaw so far has been being turned inside out by attackers as he covers.

The one thing Kemp hasn't had in his two games for the Warriors so far is clear field in front of him.

But, should the Warriors work him into some space, bet on Kemp to get outside his man pretty well every time.

He brings to the side one thing they have rarely enjoyed - out-and-out gas.

DENAN KEMP:

* Born May 11, 1987, Gold Coast, Queensland
* 180cm, 87kg wing
* Former Queensland soccer representative to age 17
* Broncos 2007-08, NRL debut R10, 28 games for 20 tries
* Warriors 2009-2011, 2 games, 16 points from goals