VOW FROM KENNAR TO NOT LET HIS TEAM DOWN
RICHARD Kennar has vowed not to let his teammates down as he prepares to face a Penrith onslaught, having played just three matches in two years.
Kennar was only given the green light to come into the side after flyer Alex Johnston failed a fitness test on Friday. It will be Kennar’s second match of the season after coach Jason Demetriou opted for the 27-year-old ahead of former Kangaroo Josh Mansour and Roosters-bound Jaxson Paulo.
“I am really excited and very grateful to be playing on Saturday,” Kennar said. “It’s terrible news for AJ (Johnston) but I am confident in the job I can do for the team.
“I’ve spent all season with them and I am ready to repay the faith that JD (Demetriou) and the coaching staff have shown in me.
“I’ve prepared like I was going to play all week so I know I will be ready. It is a bit of a whirlwind but I can’t wait for this opportunity.”
Kennar’s only showing this year included a treble of tries in place of Johnston against Newcastle in July. He played just two matches for Brisbane last year and has been a bit of a journeyman. This will be his first finals appearance in a career that began seven years ago at the Storm.
“It has been a long journey to get to this point,” Kennar said. “The game that I played earlier in the season gives me confidence and I am thankful to have some great players surrounding me.
“I am just really grateful for the opportunity and I can‘t wait to go out there and do my job for the team.”
He is expected to mark Charlie Staines, who is filling in for the suspended Taylan May.
Demetriou said Kennar’s bigger body would be an asset.
“The game suits him,” Demetriou said. “It’s going to be physical and physicality is not AJ’s strength so it’s a bit of a win there.
“He’s been awesome for us throughout the year and he really fits into our culture here. The boys love him here and you could tell when I told the boys that he was playing just how excited they were. He’s 27 so he’s been around the traps and knows what it’s about. He’s not going to be overawed by the occasion.
“He’s really good in the air, which is going to be important.”
Kennar only arrived at the Rabbitohs in February for his second stint at the club, having played eight matches at Redfern in 2018. He is without a deal for next season.
It is understood the Rabbitohs are keen for him to remain at the club but do not have a top 30 spot available.
His manager Michael Cincotta said Kennar was almost lost to the game.
“The Waratahs were looking at him,” Cincotta said. “When he first left South Sydney he did so on good terms and they did not want him to go.”