Hull KR have confirmed that club captain, Shaun Kenny-Dowall has signed a new, one-year extension to stay with the Robins until the end of 2023.
The influential centre has signed on for his fourth season in Red and White after surpassing 350 career appearances earlier this year.
An NRL Grand Final winner with the Sydney Roosters, SKD has been a constant in the Robins’ three-quarter line, missing only one game since joining the club for the 2020 season.
In that time, the 34-year-old has been part of a KR side that has rapidly progressed on the field and off the field, securing the futures of its brightest young talents while making two semi-final appearances in the last 12 months.
Speaking on his new deal, Kenny-Dowall was delighted to sign on for another year at Hull KR: “It’s been ongoing for the past few weeks. It was pretty straightforward and easy to sign on, I’m really happy to arrive at this decision.
“I’m ecstatic to sign on for another year and get the opportunity to have another 12 months locked in and enjoy it – what comes in the future will come. I wanted to do the right thing by the club and open up those negotiations. I’m happy here and the club are happy with what I bring to the table.”
Speaking on the Robins’ new coach for 2023, SKD feels Willie Peters will only add to the club’s team on and off the field: “There’s been some general discussions. We’ve formed a great squad and we’ve got a great team. Willie Peters is going to be a great addition to the club.”
Looking to the second half of the season after a week break, SKD hailed the impact of the break on KR’s squad: “It’s been massive. There’s been a few bumps and bruises within the squad. To get some fresh bodies back and for everyone to have a week off and freshen up, it’ll be vital for us to hit the ground running on Sunday.”
“It’s been a bit stop and start. We need to improve on our consistency week in and week out if we’re going to give the rest of the year a good crack – we need to perform on a weekly basis more consistently.”
Reflecting on his time with the Robins, Kenny-Dowall added: “I’ve loved every minute, it probably didn’t start on the best foot. However, it’s great how we’ve managed to progress and the amount of enjoyment I’ve got out of being at the club. It’s been everything I thought it would be and more.”