LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Teammates Stand by Suspended Will Kennedy as Sharks Look to Promising Rookie for Debut
The Sharks may have to call on a fresh face to step up in place of suspended fullback Will Kennedy this weekend, as he serves a one-match ban for a grade two contrary conduct charge after an incident with referee Adam Gee.
Cronulla players understand the NRL's tough stance on contact with officials, but can't help but feel for Kennedy, who could be replaced by a promising youngster in Saturday's clash against the Cowboys.
The Sharks had no choice but to accept the suspension, rather than risk a longer ban at the judiciary.
Kennedy now joins Melbourne's Jahrome Hughes in the ranks of those sidelined for making contact with a referee this season.
NRL head honcho Graham Annesley made it clear that such actions cannot be tolerated, and bans are necessary to send a message to all levels of the sport.
"Will was lucky that Adam Gee didn't see him coming, because I reckon he would have hit the deck," commented teammate Braden Hamlin-Uele.
"It's a shame, but we all know Will is a top bloke."
As Kennedy's absence looms, the Sharks are looking to rally around their teammate and support the rookie who will step into his shoes for the upcoming game.