Cronulla's defeat by the Roosters became more costly when the Sharks lost their marquee player and a starting centre to injury.
Coach Craig Fitzgibbon's usually threatening backline struggled throughout the match, although one player continued searching for a spark.
Fullback Kennedy endured a particularly difficult evening. His defensive weaknesses were exposed early, including a missed one-on-one tackle in the 29th minute that allowed Cherry-Evans to score.
Kennedy made just 76 metres, missed more tackles than he completed, committed one error and conceded a penalty.
The Roosters repeatedly tested winger Sione Katoa, exploiting his height disadvantage against Daniel Tupou. Their approach produced an 11th-minute try from a kick.
Katoa responded with a try of his own, but remained unusually quiet on the right edge during his final match for Cronulla before joining the Cowboys.
Jack Hiroti had entered the backline as a late replacement but lasted only about 20 minutes before a knee injury ended his night.
Hiroti was hurt while chasing a Trindall chip. He kept the ball alive by batting it infield for a repeat set, then collided with the advertising boards.