NEW KR DEAL FOR SKD
KENNY-DOWALL IS ‘ECSTATIC’ TO STAY AT CRAVEN PARK
HULL KR club captain Shaun Kenny-dowall has indicated he could be at the club for a great deal longer after agreeing a new one-year contract.
The Rovers skipper has signed a new deal until the end of 2023 after completing swift negotiations over a contract extension that will be warmly welcomed in east Hull.
The former New Zealand international has been a big hit since arriving at Craven Park two years ago, with his importance to the team only increasing in the past 12 months.
Kenny-dowall has become a constant threat in the Robins’ three-quarter line, missing only one game since joining the club, and is seen by many as one of the best NRL recruits the Robins have made in the Super League era.
The outside back admitted his start to life in East Hull didn’t go as well as he’d hoped but soon understood what it means to wear the red and white jersey, as he fell in love with the club.
“I’ve loved every minute of it,” said Kenny-dowall. “It probably didn’t start on the best foot. However, it’s great how we’ve managed to progress and the amount of enjoyment I’ve got out of being at the club. It’s been everything I thought it would be and more.
“Talks have been ongoing for the past few weeks. So it was pretty straightforward to sign on. I’m delighted to arrive at this decision.”
With 39 clean breaks, 19 offloads and an average gain of 7.95m so far in 2022, Kenny-dowall
is once again proving his worth to Rovers and has shone even during the club’s recent dip in form, including a spirited outing against Catalans Dragons two weeks ago.
Despite coming into the twilight of his career, the 34-year old admitted he may carry on post 2023 and hasn’t ruled out extending his stay further.
“I’m ecstatic to sign on for another year and get the opportunity to have another 12 months locked in and enjoy it,” he continued. “What comes in the future will come. I wanted to do the right thing by the club and open up those negotiations. I’m happy here, and the club are happy with what I bring to the table.”
Speaking on the Robins’ new coach for 2023 Willie Peters, Kenny-dowall believes the current Newcastle Knights assistant will carry on the progress built by Tony Smith and is excited to work with the new boss next year.
“There have been some general discussions with Willie. We’ve formed a great squad, and we’ve got a great team. Willie Peters will be a great addition to the club as well,” he said.