Will Kennedy’s Future at Cronulla Remains Uncertain
Will Kennedy has made it clear that he is open to the possibility of leaving Cronulla if he feels it is in the best interest of his family. This statement came after the off-contract fullback scored a double in the Sharks’ 36-22 victory over the Warriors. The win marked the Sharks’ second consecutive win of the season, propelling them back into the NRL top eight.
Kennedy, one of 13 Sharks players set to be free agents at the end of the year, has been in a state of uncertainty for the past 18 months. He signed a one-year extension in October, primarily due to the arrival of his newborn child and limited options elsewhere. However, with Perth still yet to secure a No.1 player for next season, his future could be more fluid.
“I’ll do whatever is best for my family,” Kennedy said after the match. “I just had a newborn, so it was only right for me to stay that one more year here. I want to keep playing footy. If I stay here, happy days. I love this club. But if I have to do what’s best for my family then I have to do it.”
The decision for Cronulla now hinges on whether they see Kennedy as their long-term No.1 or if Liam Ison is the future replacement. Ison, however, has not played since rupturing his ACL last March, complicating the situation further.
Despite this, Kennedy has shown he still has plenty to offer. His performance against the Warriors was impressive, with nine tackle busts and two tries. He also created space for Sione Katoa late in the game.
“I’ve still got more in me,” Kennedy said. “Every player has more in them, and I think I have more levels to myself. I just want to keep playing footy and winning more games.”
Key Performances and Concerns
Other standout performances from the Sharks included KL Iro, who tormented the Warriors’ right edge with a try and nine tackle busts. Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall also combined well, showcasing the team’s attacking potential.
However, the Sharks faced some injury concerns. Jesse Ramien suffered suspected medial ligament damage in his knee, while Tom Hazleton hurt his ankle. These setbacks could impact their depth and strategy moving forward.
On the other side, the Warriors faced their own challenges. Playmaker Luke Metcalf suffered a hamstring injury late in the game, adding to their woes. Metcalf, who had returned from an ACL rupture just last week, has a history of hamstring issues. Chanel Harris-Tavita is likely to step in as his replacement.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster expressed cautious optimism about Metcalf’s recovery. “He’s going to miss time, but he doesn’t feel like it’s a long-term one with how he’s felt about others in the past,” he said.
Struggles and Resilience
The Warriors’ attack, which had been strong in their first three games, struggled without Metcalf and Tanah Boyd. Despite this, Webster remained confident that the issues were individual rather than a cohesion problem.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was a key figure for the Warriors, scoring the first three tries of the game. His third try, following a brilliant corner kick, brought the Warriors to within 24-16 after halftime. However, a crucial error by Blayke Brailey, who grubber-kicked out of dummy-half for a chasing Teig Wilton, effectively sealed the game for the Sharks.
Injury Woes for the Warriors
Adding to the Warriors’ troubles was a neck injury for centre Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who was cleared of a concussion. This further weakened their already struggling lineup.
As the season progresses, both teams will need to manage their injuries and make strategic decisions about their futures. For the Sharks, the question remains whether Kennedy can continue to be a key player or if a new era is on the horizon. For the Warriors, the focus will be on recovering from their recent setbacks and finding consistency in their attack.
