Hull KR confirm signing of New Zealander

Hull Kingston Rovers have confirmed the signing of Shaun Kenny-Dowall on a two-year deal.

The 31-year-old centre will bring plenty of experience to East Hull, having played almost 300 NRL games for the Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights.

He has also appeared 21 times for New Zealand, winning numerous major honours in his career such as the NRL Grand Final and Four Nations.

“I’m excited to be experiencing a new competition over in England after so long in the NRL,” Kenny-Dowall told the Hull KR website.

“I love the way the Super League is played and for myself, it’s a new challenge to move out of my comfort zone of the NRL and step into a different arena and test myself on the other side of the world.

“I’ve always wanted to tick that box in my career and I’m very grateful to Hull KR for giving me that opportunity.”

Kenny-Dowall is scheduled to arrive in England late next month to begin pre-season and Rovers’ head coach Tony Smith is delighted to have added a major name to his 2020 squad.

“It is fantastic that the club has been able to bring someone over with Shaun’s experience – it is important for us to maintain those high standards, in terms of people with experience, with what they can bring to the table,” Smith said.

He added: “The 2020 squad is largely going to be a young and enthusiastic side. We have lost a couple of experienced players, and it’s vital that we regain that mix. We’ll be maintaining those high standards by bringing in somebody of Shaun’s calibre.”