Wests Tigers’ try-hero Pat Richards’ gets new nickname from teammates: the Iceman

NO ONE calls Pat Richards by his name anymore. The veteran winger got a new moniker after his memorable kick against the Eels: The Iceman.

Tigers Pat Richards gets a kick away to set up a try for Tigers James Tedesco during the Parramatta v Wests Tigers rugby league game at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Pic Brett Costello

NO ONE calls Pat Richards by his name anymore. Not captain Robbie Farah. Not coach Jason Taylor. And certainly not prop Aaron Woods ... who late Sunday evening gifted this ageing Wests Tigers winger a new moniker.

“Yeah, Woodsy started calling me ‘The Iceman’,’’ Richards says, shaking his head.

“I’m filthy. Don’t rate it at all. But still, he keeps trying to make it stick. Refuses to let go.”

But who can blame him?

Understanding that while other NRL stars may be more flamboyant, more appealing and outspoken, no one gets it done quite like The Iceman.

Field goals. Drop goals. Sideline conversions. Ice does it all.

Over 16 years compiling an incredible Youtube collection which, in no particular order, includes a 72m drop out against Gold Coast, a 45m field goal against St Helens and that classic 2005 Grand Final try.

In 2007, Iceman kicked Wigan to the greatest comeback in Super League History. In 2008, scoring 22 points — from three tries and five goals — in a single World Cup game with Ireland.

And as for those torpedo kick offs ... well, so unbelievable did they seem when first unveiled a decade ago, NRL officials confiscated his kicking tees for study.

Honestly, does any of us truly realise how good this bloke is?

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In the season opener, Iceman booted Wests Tigers to victory against Gold Coast with a field goal. On full-time.

And then against Parramatta last Sunday, his early contender for NRL Try of the Year so spectacular, tributes have since flooded in from fans across Australia, England, even Ireland.

“It’s blown up a little bit, for sure,’’ Iceman says of that now famous play which saw him, first, tiptoe down the left touchline before kicking ahead, while being tipped on his head, for fullback James Tedesco.

“The kick itself, I think it came off my shin. But I’m claiming it.

“I’ve had people hitting me up on Twitter from England, Ireland, everywhere. It’s all been a bit crazy.”

But were you confident?

“I thought I’d stayed in,’’ he continues. “But with super slow-mo replays, you’re never sure.

“The longer I watched it on the big screen, the lower I sank.”

He needn’t have worried.

Richards somehow stays inside the line before his kick.

So what chance now a NSW Origin jersey?

Remembering that this time last year, Iceman was overlooked for the City side because Blues selectors believed they already knew what he could do. So in stepped young Rooster Daniel Tupou — who by the end of the year was a Kangaroo.

“Origin? Don’t think so,’’ Iceman says.

Really?

“If it comes great. But I’m sure it won’t.”

OK, longest field goal you’ve ever kicked then?

“I might’ve kicked one from halfway at training,’’ he shrugs. “But they’re not the ones you really practice.

“For me, it’s trying to get distance on the drop outs.

“But certainly to kick a field goal to win a game, it’s great. To know the game is ended with your kick, that’s why you play.”

Yep.

And why you have to be ‘The Iceman’.

Originally published as Wests Tigers’ try-hero Pat Richards’ gets new nickname from teammates: the Iceman