HUNTER Wildfires fly-half Connor Winchester is quickly earning a reputation as one of the best kickers in the Shute Shield - coach Scott Coleman wants to make better use of it.
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Winchester produced a masterclass as the Wildfires came from behind to overrun West Harbour 28-8 at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday.
The win, which propelled the Wildfires into sixth spot, was full of spirit.
They scored two tries when replacement winger Penikolo Latu was in the sinbin and finished the match with blindside breakaway John Martin-Stewart on the wing and No.8 Lona Halaholo at inside centre.
"It was a great show of character," Coleman said. "It was a scrappy game played in difficult conditions. Without sounding cocky, it was pleasing to come away with a win without playing to our potential.
"In the first half, Connor kept us in the game by exiting with his kicks."
Winchester joined the Wildfires this season from Norths, where he made a handful of first grade appearances at fullback.
He is "still growing" in the No.10 jumper and his thumping left boot is proving more valuable with every game.
The tall 10 continually launched the Wildfires out of their own end, sent a drop kick 60 metres in the second half and earned two lineout throws with 50-22 kicks.
He was equally precise with his goal-kicking, landing two from the sideline. His only miss was a long-range penalty attempt.
"He kicked really well in general play," Coleman said. "We have spoken about making more of his kicking game. He and Will Feeney both have massive left boots.
"I thought Connor's game management in the second half was very good. We had to change the game plan when we lost both centres. We had to play field position with a strong kick-chase and we did that really well."
Luke Nadurutalo, who trained with the NSW Waratahs in the pre-season, suffered a serious knee injury in the 60th minute. Outside centre and Tongan international Nafi Tuitavaike (ankle) limped off shortly afterwards. Completing a horror 10 minutes, Penikolo was given a yellow card for not using arms in a tackle.
The Wildfires led 16-8 at the time.
"Luke will have scans. It is most likely a medial ligament but it could be an ACL," Coleman said. "Nafi rolled an ankle and shouldn't be out too long."
Drizzling rain made handling difficult in the first half, but the Wildfires were their own worst enemy with mistakes and ill discipline. They were on the wrong end of a 10-6 penalty count and lost four lineouts on their own throw.
However, the home side went to the break up 6-5 through two Winchester penalties.
Pirates captain Kodie Hawkins landed a penalty to put the visitors ahead in the 50th minute.
But from there, the Wildfires clicked into gear. Their scrum grabbed the ascendancy and Winchester provided field position.
Apart from Winchester, hooker Phil Bradford was outstanding, making a series of burst on the edges.
Nadurutalo continually got over the advantage line, breakaway Donnu Freeman got through a power of work and Halaholo had his best game.
Next for the Wildfires are Randwick at Coogee Oval.
James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
