Radwan guards against complacency at half-way point
Ampthill are the visitors to Kingston Park Stadium on Sunday as Newcastle aim to reach the half-way mark of the Greene King IPA Championship season with their unbeaten record intact, and Radwan has made no attempt to shy away from the fact his team-mates are talking about the need to maintain full focus.
“I’m not going to say that we don’t talk about complacency, because we do talk about it as a group,” said the league’s top try-scorer, who this week signed a new two-year contract extension.
“With the people we have here and the standards we try to live by I honestly don’t think it’s something that we’ll allow to creep into our performances, but yeah, it’s definitely something that gets mentioned in terms of needing to guard against it.”
Scoring nine tries in 11 games this season, the most recent of those came in last Friday’s hard-fought 19-12 victory at Nottingham.
Radwan said: “The pitch was pretty heavy and it wasn’t ideal for us, but we came through another tough test.
“We’ve had a few of those this season, especially away from home, and you’ve just got to get on with it.
“The pitches and facilities aren’t always going to be amazing, there’ll be days when you have to grind it out and if we do achieve our goal of promotion then I think it’ll stand us in good stead having gone through this experience.
“The pitches are the same for both teams, so it’s just up to us to try and deal with it rather than complaining about it.”
Seeking out scoring opportunities wherever they present themselves, the North-Yorkshire-born flyer said: “There’s always a balance between staying in your position and coming inside, and I’m working on getting that understanding.
“Our head coach Dave Walder encourages me to go and hunt the ball all over the pitch, and it’s great to have that freedom. The ball can’t always work its way to the wing so sometimes you need to go and find it, and I enjoy the licence he gives me.
“We’re back on our own pitch this weekend and in front of our own crowd, and that’s something we all enjoy.
“I love playing at Kingston Park – absolutely love it – and I know all the boys feel the same.”
Delighted also to have formalised his new deal to remain with the club, Radwan added: “I’m over the moon to have the contract stuff sorted, and just excited about what the next two years has in store for the Falcons.
“Getting regular rugby has been the most important thing for me and the biggest factor in deciding what I was going to do, and like I say it’s nice to have it all finalised.”
Tickets for Sunday’s 1pm kick-off against Ampthill are available by [**clicking here**][1], calling 0871 226 6060 or from the stadium in person. Book before match-day to save £3 per ticket.
Stay on and watch the France v England game at 3pm on the stadium TVs. For a further £5 you can gain entry into the West Stand first-floor bar post-match, with Dean Richards giving half-time and full-time analysis on the England game. The ticket also includes hot food and a drink. To book, [**click here**][2].
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/EDP/Event/Index/1488
[2]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/EDP/Event/Index/1566
