Hull Kingston Rovers have further added to their playing ranks with the signing of former New Zealand international Shaun Kenny-Dowall on a two-year deal.
The 31-year-old moves to the Super League from the Newcastle Knights, where he has plied his trade since 2017, following a decade-long stint with the Sydney Roosters.
Kenny-Dowall was a part of the Roosters' 2013 NRL Grand Final side and has won the Four Nations title with the Kiwis twice.
"I know that the club is steeped in history and I'm really looking forward to joining the Rovers," the Kenny-Dowall told Hull KR's official website.
"I'm excited to be experiencing a new competition over in England after so long in the NRL.
"I love the way the Super League is played and, for myself, it's a new challenge to move out of my comfort zone of the NRL and step into a different arena and test myself on the other side of the world.
"I've always wanted to tick that box in my career and I'm very grateful to Hull KR for giving me that opportunity."
Kenny-Dowall is the third signing the Rovers have made since securing their Super League status, joining Dean Hadley and Jez Litten as Tony Smith's latest additions.
"It is fantastic that the club has been able to bring someone over with Shaun's experience, it is important for us to maintain those high standards, in terms of people with experience, with what they can bring to the table," Smith said.
"The 2020 squad is largely going to be a young and enthusiastic side. We have lost a couple of experienced players, and it’s vital that we regain that mix. We'll be maintaining those high standards by bringing in somebody of Shaun's calibre."
Kenny-Dowall is scheduled to arrive in England in October with pre-season training commencing in early November, with the Rovers' latest arrival revealing his excitement to work under Smith.
“Speaking to Tony, and knowing the direction that he wants to take the club, really excited me. I’m over the moon to be part of it now." Kenny-Dowall added.
“I see the great relationships that Tony has had with different clubs and the players involved and I’m a really big fan of his philosophies. I’ve spoken a lot to him about the way that he likes to coach and I’m really excited at the prospect of working with him.
“We both want to make Hull KR a competitive force in the Super League again and that was a big, significant reason that I wanted to sign at the club.”
