A lack of it can cost you dearly.

Case in point being Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton on Super Bowl Sunday. 

There has been much criticism thrown the 26-year-old’s way following the Panthers 24-10 loss to the Denver Broncos.

From the below-par on-field performance to the press conference walk-out off the field, Newton has copped it.

I suppose that’s what happens when 111.9 million people tune in to watch the game in the US alone. 

However, it was his perceived attitude toward a dropped ball at a crucial point late in the game that was most questionable.

No one ever means to make a mistake in the sporting arena, but how you react is just as or, arguably, even more important.

Sure, Newton had been pinned again by the Broncos stellar defence and another pass was foiled, but in sight of his own line with less than five minutes to go and just six points the difference in the biggest game of the year – just dive on it.

It’s one of the earliest and best sporting lessons I remember being taught as a youngster – if you lose the ball you go and get it back.

And there it was, that 11-inch pig-skinned oval-shaped object, just bouncing around on the ground but all Newton could do was stand by and watch the clutch play unfold. 

“I didn’t dive on one fumble because of the way my leg was [positioned],” he said later.

Compare this to Broncos player TJ Ward, who pounced on the opportunity, 

“We were hungry for that one, we saw that ball and we were like hyenas on an antelope.” 

And there in lies the difference.

And if you get the chance, check out the Les Darcy items on display for the first time at Maitland Regional Art Gallery.

The exhibition launches on Saturday and includes personal possessions of the legendary boxer such as a gold fob watch, prayer book and McGoorty pendant.

The donations were made by the ­family of Darcy’s late younger brother Joe.