Brisbane winger Jordan Kahu says he is happy to become the Broncos' first choice goal-kicker if captain Corey Parker wants to relinquish the role.
Kahu did all the goal-kicking in Brisbane's 20-10 defeat of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on Thursday night, with Parker opting not to take up the responsibility after a shocking night with the boot the week before.
Parker kicked two from seven attempts in Brisbane's Round 23 win over the Parramatta Eels – taking his season kicking percentage to a disappointing 66 per cent.
It prompted Kahu to take over the duties, but the New Zealand international told NRL.com that Parker will always have first preference.
"I'm still not first choice kicker, but I'm happy to do it if I'm needed," Kahu said.
"I was filthy I missed my first one tonight. I pride myself on my goal-kicking.
"I do it at every training session just in case I'm needed in games.
"There have been a few games where I've missed a few crucial kicks that have cost us a win so I don't want to be missing them in those tight games.
"If it comes down to a kick I want to do my job and help the boys get the win."
Kahu kicked four goals from five attempts on Thursday night, taking his season average to just over 79 per cent.
Goal-kicking is something that comes naturally to Kahu, with the 25-year-old growing up with the role.
Two season-ending knee injuries in 2011 and 2012 stalled his progress with the boot, but now that his body is fit and healthy he wants to continue on with the added responsibility that comes with goal-kicking.
"I've always kicked for goal. I've been doing it my whole life," he said.
"I had a couple of years off when I was battling injury.
"In 2013 I kind of had a break because I figured that I needed to sort out my body before I focused on anything else. Once I felt comfortable I got back at it.
"When it hit 2014 and 2015, that's when I really ramped up my training.
"This was especially the case last year when 'Cozza' started having a bit of time on the bench.
"I knew I had to step up and start taking the kicks. I'm happy to do the job when he's not on the field."
Every point will be vital in Brisbane's run to the finals and the Broncos can ill afford missed opportunities in front of goal.
Coach Wayne Bennett is aware of that fact, but said the decision on who kicks for goal is ultimately up to his captain.
"I thought Corey was going to kick against the Bulldogs, but I'm not going to put any pressure on Corey either way," Bennett said.
"He's the leading point scorer in the club so he's done a lot of things right.
"Jordan does the practice and so does Corey, so they are both capable of doing a good job with it.
"I looked up when we scored the first try and Jordan was kicking. I'm happy for that if that's what Corey wants."
