SHAUN HANGS UP HIS BOOTS - BUT STAYS AT KR
HULL KR captain Shaun Kennydowall will hang his boots up at the end of the 2023 season.
However, the 35-year-old will still be at Craven Park next season after agreeing to become the club’s development coach.
The New Zealand native has been one of Rovers’ best overseas imports, and although his retirement will spark emotion among supporters, keeping him on in a coaching capacity is the next best thing.
A great coup for the academy and the next generation of Robins, they will be taught by one of the sport’s best-ever outside-backs.
Having recently surpassed his 350th career game in the NRL and Super League, he has made 74 appearances whilst wearing the red and white shirt and still has plenty of rugby to play before he calls time on his illustrious career.
His job role will see him working within the first-team coaching structure while mentoring the club’s young talent from the academy up to the Robins’ first team.
It is an emotional time for Kennydowall, who has nearly spent two decades as a professional rugby league player.
He is determined to end his time on the field with a trophy.
Expressing his love for Hull KR, he is over the moon to be given an opportunity in the coaching department at Craven Park.
“I’ve made the decision to retire at the end of the 2023 season and call time on my 17-year career as a professional rugby player,” said Kenny-dowall.
“This sport has given me everything, and I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me on this journey. I’ll reflect on it all at the end of the season.
“Until then though, it’s all to play for. I’ll continue to love every moment I have left on the field as a Robin.
“For 2024, I’m honoured to be taking on a new exciting challenge here at Hull KR, mentoring the club’s future stars from the Academy up to the First Team.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be staying with this great club for 2024.
“I’d like to say a special thank you to the club’s board and Willie Peters for the opportunity and the faith they’ve shown in me for my new exciting role.
“But for now, I want to finish my final season on a high and win silverware with this great club. Keep your amazing support coming, Red Army. See you on the other side, SKD.”
Hull KR head coach, Willie Peters, added: “Shaun is a leader of men. He leads through his actions every day at training and every time he takes the field.
“I value my relationship with Shaun greatly and he’s been a great help since I joined the club last year. I’m excited to work side by side with Shaun as part of the club’s coaching team next season.
“We are delighted Shaun has accepted a very important position as Development Coach at Hull KR next season.
“Shaun will play an integral part in our vertical alignment throughout the whole club. Shaun will help the club to develop quality, homegrown juniors ready for Super League alongside our Academy staff.
“Special thank you to our Board for approving this important role within the club. Before he starts, Shaun has a lot more to achieve on the field as he’s motivated to end his outstanding playing career on a high.”