FEATURE: Hobbs impressed by Luton RFC team-mate Mahendran’s kicking

Mahendran took the responsibility after Hobbs, 22, sustained a shoulder knock in last week’s 24-19 win against Thurrock and will be out of action for the next month.

He said: “To be fair it was quite good. Being a kicker myself and looking at it in that way he stepped in well.

“The kick he pulled off from out wide was brilliant, so not bad. I’m sure he’ll be practicing it more in training.”

There is a strong case to say Luton have experienced kicking inconsistencies throughout the season with the team usually relying on Hobbs to provide the goods.

A heavy responsibility that rests on the shoulders of one so young.

The option of having one or two extra kickers could prove useful as only Hobbs, Mahendran and Scott Aspinall have taken the step forward.

Another interesting feature is the drop kick, which is not regularity in the Newlands Road side by any means as Hobbs scored the only attempt made from any Luton player this season with an extraordinary beauty against Thurrock in October.

When asked why he did not make more drop kick attempts, he added: “When you’re playing things happen so fast. You can set yourself up for a drop kick but things happen.

“Someone gets in your way or there is a better pass that can be played. Maybe I should try it more often.”

Hobbs is expected to return for the home clash against Ipswich in April.