Seconds before Pat Richards' field goal delivered a dramatic 19-18 NRL win for Wests Tigers over Gold Coast, debutant Kyle Lovett could barely stand.
The 21-year-old, a late call-up for injured centre Chris Lawrence, was cramping in both legs at the end of a nailbiting season opener at CBUS Super Stadium.
Any pain he may have felt disappeared within seconds of Richards' 40m kick leaving the veteran's boot though.
"Two seconds, once I knew it was on line I started running towards him," Lovett told AAP of how long it took to realise the victory had been sealed.
"I could never ask for a better round one debut. To win by a field goal. Patty Richards, he's a magician, he's unbelievable. It's the best feeling I've ever had."
The latest young gun to roll off the Tigers' production line, Lovett had a solid debut including 12 runs for 92m, a tackle bust and offload and 21 tackles.
A solid performer at under-20 level in 2014, Lovett says his challenge now is to build on his debut and repay coach Jason Taylor's faith.
"I'm enjoying the moment right now but I'm obviously hungry for many more games," he said.
