Young Newtown Jets fullback Will Kennedy has extended his contract with Cronulla into the 2020 season after flourishing in his leading role during the 2019 Canterbury Cup season.
The 22-year-old made his NRL debut with the Sharks' 24-20 win over the Panthers at PointsBet Stadium in round six this year, where Kennedy proved to be a promising second string fullback in the top grade this season.
Kennedy signed a new one-year deal with the Sharks in hope of adding more senior games to his growing accolades, with Cronulla coach John Morris pleased to have Kennedy sign-on, as the club confirms it has extended the contracts of all six rookies to debut in 2019.
“Will has been a part of our elite pathways system since he was in the under 18’s and we have high hopes for his future,” Morris told the club website.
“It was good for him to experience the NRL this year and he has been a standout for the Jets in the Canterbury Cup.
“His goal is to play more NRL in 2020 and after another pre-season, if he can continue to develop and improve there is no reason why he won’t.
“Will is of the highest character and like our other debutants its great he’s shown loyalty to the club by extending his contract,” Morris added.
Kennedy joins fellow Shark starlets in Bronson Xerri, Billy Magoulias, Blayke Brailey and Ronaldo Multitalo who have committed to Cronulla for next season after making their senior debut in 2019.
Kennedy moved from Bathurst to the Shire where he initially represented the Sharks in the SG Ball competition.
Kennedy went on to thrive in both the 18's and 20's and has since been a glowing prospect for the Sharks' NSWRL partner club the Newtown Jets.
This season, Kennedy sits second in the competition for tries scored with 15 four-pointers, while also ranking first for kick return metres and featuring within the top 10 for line breaks from his 21 games for the Jets.
Kennedy starred for the Jets in their win over the Bears last weekend and will represent Newtown in the number one jersey when they fight for a spot in the Canterbury Cup Grand Final against St George Illawarra Dragons on Sunday.
erm yea ok. Still haven’t seen enough of this guy in top grade to pass judgement yet.
Are they going to flick Moylan to give Kennedy a go at fullback?
Or has he just re-signed for a couple of more years at Newtown, with the odd injury replacement in first grade?