HE was one of the best attacking players in last year’s Intrust Super Premiership and helped guide the Newtown Jets to the grand final, but in 2019 the western region’s William Kennedy is aiming even bigger.
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This year the talented fullback – originally from Wilcannia – hopes to make his NRL debut.
The 21-year-old has already put in plenty of hard work with the Cronulla Sharks during pre-season training and will continue to push his claims over the summer period.
Though the Sharks have a number of options for the number one jumper, the departure of Valentine Holmes does boost Kennedy’s chances making his debut in the top flight.
It is no surprise he listed that as his goal for 2019 when asked by Cronulla’s ‘Under The Surface’ player probe.
“Hopefully playing in the NRL, that’s one of my biggest goals, and just playing consistent footy,” he said.
The son of William ‘Bubba’ Kennedy, who played three seasons at centre for the Balmain Tigers, and brother of Sydney Roosters WNRL second-rower Kandy, he has long showed skill in his chosen sport.
“I was probably six or seven years old [when I first started] playing with my sister for Bathurst Panthers and then came over to Bathurst St Pat’s,” Kennedy said.
“I moved down [to Sydney] when I was 17 and just kept going from there.”
The St Pat’s graduate won an SG Ball title with Cronulla in 2015 and in 2017, played an integral role in the success of the Sharks’ Holden Cup side.
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Last season Kennedy lined up for Sharks’ feeder club the Jets in NSW Rugby League’s top open-age competition.
He scored 14 tries for the season, a tally which only St George’s Jordan Pererira – a man who played nine NRL games in 2018 – bettered. Kennedy’s highlights also included 12 line breaks.
Though his attacking flair was not quite enough to help the Jets to premiership glory, going down 18-12 to Canterbury-Bankstown in the decider, Kennedy still had a season which impressed.
“With a sharp turn of speed and clever ball skills, Kennedy has all the attributes to continue his progression and to forge a successful NRL career,” Sharks Media said of the custodian.
