Bulls hero Michael Withers reckons he almost had too much time before landing last night's last-ditch drop goal at The Boulevard.

With the scores tied at 24-24 in the final minute after Hull scored 14 points in nine minutes, Withers slotted over a one-pointer from beyond 40 metres to send a small army of travelling Bulls fans into delirium.

"I don't even know why I got the ball," laughed the 26-year-old Australian.

Hull were expecting the drop goal attempt, but were more concerned about thwarting the more obvious target of scrum half Paul Deacon and a longer pass found Withers.

"I had too much time to kick it," said Withers. "I was 42 metres out, but I was going to have a go from 50 metres a bit earlier, but Joe Vagana made eight yards on a drive.

"I hit it sweetly but overall I didn't have one of my best games.

"I was just glad to have some input at the end because we never had the ball in the last 20 minutes of the second half and we were lucky to get away with a win."

Bulls coach Brian Noble added: "We showed a lot of composure with three minutes to go to have one big defensive set and then to find the drop goal - it was proof that we have a lot of character."

His only worry about Withers' drop goal attempt was the same one the player had himself - having too much time.

Noble said: "I thought 'Oh no' but it was a great 'dart' from Michael and he's done it before, of course."

He was referring to an even more memorable occasion in September, 1999 when a Withers drop goal in injury time gave the Bulls a 19-18 victory over Leeds at Odsal before a Super League record 24,020 fans.

That was the first drop goal of his career and he said at the time: "I just looked up and had a crack. I muck about in training but I'm shocking. If I had another ten shots at goal, I doubt I'd kick one."

Now Withers doesn't even bother having a go in practice but his aim in matches is still as deadly!