Press conference: Shaun Kenny-Dowall on Round 7
Shaun Kenny-Dowall is looking forward to going regional this week when the nib Newcastle Knights take on the Wests Tigers at Tamworth on Saturday.
The outside back feels it’s pretty special to entertain a regional crowd, especially in Tamworth where the Knights have a broad fan base.
“It’s pretty exciting for the game to have a town like Tamworth be able to witness an NRL match live,” he said.
“We’re really looking forward to putting on a good spectacle.”
Moving forward from their loss against the Melbourne Storm last week, Kenny-Dowall is eager to get another win on the board.
He’s expecting a tough assignment against the Tigers, who have been the surprise packet of the year so far.
“They have been above everyone’s expectations, been competing well and winning games so we’re up for a tough challenge this week.
The 30-year-old will come up against former New Zealand teammate Benji Marshall who has been in red hot form for the Tigers.
“It’s great to see him come into a little bit of form, he’s playing with a lot of confidence and he’s playing with a calm head and leading the boys around really well,” he commented.
“He’s been a big key for them and he’ll be a big key for them on the weekend.”
The outside back also expects there to be a battle of the halves with Luke Brooks and Mitchell Pearce the ones the watch.
“They’ve both been key players and it’s going to be a fierce battle of the halves out there,” he said.
“Mitchell Pearce is pretty professional, and he’ll go about his business, so it would be great to get a result on the day.”
Meanwhile, Kenny-Dowall has backed Jack Cogger to pair Pearce in the halves this week, in what will be his first NRL appearance for the year.
“He’s a tough competitor and he fights pretty hard so I'm really looking forward to running out there with him on the weekend,” he stated.
“We support Brock, but he has an obligation to work hard on his game and fight hard for a position back in first grade.”
