The list of Super League players who can boast try scoring brilliance along with superb kicking attributes is very small. Kirk Dixon, the Castleford Tigers player, is one such player who features on that list. The flying winger has had a good couple of seasons in the Super League. His career is going from strength to strength and boasts an impressive try record of better than one in every other game. Not content with that he also has a sweet right foot which has slotted over many a penalty. Is there anything this 26-year-old can’t do!?
Sport.co.uk managed to grab a word with the Castleford player and chatted about his successful time in rugby league and what football can learn from the sport.
What are your plans for the off season?
In the first couple of weeks it’s all about getting your body right after a tough season. Some of the boys will be off on holiday to get a bit of sun and top up their tans. Then we’ll be going through our own fitness programs and then obviously into pre-season. It’s tough at the start of the year as we’re nowhere near top shape.
Do some players who come back from the off season look like they’ve had a few too many McDonalds?
Haha ( laughs with a hint of guilt ).I think that’s everyone to be honest. A few boys will have one or two McDonalds during the winter. We know if we do that week in week out it’ll be hard to dislodge those Big Mac’s when it comes to pre season.
You had a good season last year. What do you put the team’s and your own success down to?
As a team it’s all about sticking together. We have a small squad and everyone is really close. No one wants to let anyone down. We have good coaches who keep us on our toes and we do everything possible to get the best results. On a personal level I’m working on all the things you need to be good at as a winger. I had a good season this year but I’m always striving to improve and be the best I can be. I work hard in pre season so that I’m ready when the proper stuff begins.
Do you think Rugby League in this country is still lagging behind the likes of the NRL in Australia?
We’re catching them up but we’re not on the same level as them at the moment. On the international scene they are dominant. From a domestic point of view there isn’t much in it. Watching a couple of the play-off games recently in the Super League, you won’t find games that have higher tension then those. In Australia it’s there main sport which it isn’t over here, so in theory they should be better than us.
Do you think the game in this country promotes youth development?
That’s one of the main factors in rugby league. You have to bring the young players through and look after them. They are the future of this sport and it’s important they progress into the first team. It’s something that we’re very proud of. If you look at the teams now there are a lot of young English kids playing who hopefully will develop into the national side.
Can football take some tips regarding youth development from rugby league?
They need to put the money, time and effort into the youngsters. Work on their development and let them get into the first team. Instead of giving them one chance, deciding their not good enough, and bring in a foreigner instead. It’s something that football can take from rugby league. It’s also having trust in a young player. If you don’t have trust in the player then it will dent their confidence and they may not fulfil their potential.
Why do so many rugby league players appear to be switching codes?
It’s just a change. A lot of people think it’s about the money, but for most of them it’s just a change. There’s a lot of national sides in rugby union like the full team, the Saxons and the Sevens side. I think that might be a major factor why they change so they can represent their country.
Who are your tips for the play-offs?
I really like how Wigan play. How they put themselves into the game and create chances out of nothing. The four sides that are left are all very good and it’s hard to call who will win. It will all come down to the day and who gets the bounce of the ball and the luck.
Do you think you have a chance to be Super League’s top try scorer next season?
Ha, I’d like to think so. At the start of next season I just want to come back fitter and stronger than the previous season. If you don’t do that you’re going to get left behind. If the team’s playing well I’d hope I could push myself into the side. Hopefully we can have a good go next year and try and get ourselves further up the table.