WARRINGTON Wolves are yet to nominate their first choice goal kicker for the 2001 season.

Halfback Lee Briers has carried the mantle in the main since joining the club in 1997 but he faces competition from new winger Rob Smyth next year and coach Darryl Van de Velde has yet to reveal his man.

Briers banged over 93 of the team's 123 goal successes last season in a record points haul for himself in any one campaign.

But in his absence at the weekend Smyth was handed the golden chance to show his worth and says he would love to be handed the responsibility.

Smyth, who landed four successes from six attempts in the 32-0 win over South Sydney Rabbitohs, had kicking spells for his previous clubs Wigan Warriors and London Broncos.

He said: "I'm looking forward to competing with Lee for the goal kicking role.

"Hopefully Darryl will give me a shot at it. It's another part of my game that I'm hoping to develop a little bit more.

"I was the regular kicker for one season at London which included the Challenge Cup run and kicking in the final at Wembley.

"I only missed about eight kicks all year from about 50 shots so my ratio was good. Then I had a knee injury so the onus went off me and on to Brett Warton instead.

"If Lee does get nominated to be kicker then so be it. If Darryl wants anyone to take over the reins then I am more than happy to and I'd give it my best effort."

Van de Velde believes competition for the role will be good for both players and also puts Ian Knott's name into the hat.

He says: "No decision has been made yet which is one of the reasons why I wanted Rob to have the practice.

"Injuries during a season and kickers going off the boil are important reasons why it's important to have more than one in the squad."

One thing for sure about Smyth's new career with Warrington is that his position is not in doubt, despite him playing the second half at full back against the Rabbitohs.

Van de Velde said: "Smithy is very safe there and is good from kicks.

"But to play him at full back he was the next best option to Will Cowell, who started the game there but hadn't trained much in the week leading up to the game.

"Rob did well back there but he's not being considered as a full back option at this stage.

"He's one of my strike wingers for sure."

Smyth revealed he had not played full back since his junior days but enjoyed the stint.

He said: "If Darryl wanted me to play full back I would play there.

"As long as I'm in the team is what matters to me. Whether I'm on the wing or out of position I'll give it my best shot."

Smyth is expecting to be renewing his partnership with centre Toa Kohe-Love in 2001.

He said: "Toa and myself had a good connection when I was with Warrington on the one month's loan last season.

"I think it would be more likely I'll be playing outside Toa than David Kidwell and the understanding we have will hopefully put us in good stead again for next year.

"But if I'm paired with David, it would be an experience to play with a big fellow on my inside."