Kenny-Dowall to miss clash with Warriors

NSW Premier Mike Baird has called on the NRL to take action after Roosters’ star Shaun Kenny-Dowall was charged with several domestic violence offences against his former girlfriend.

The 28-year-old was charged with stalking, intimidating, destroying or damaging property, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and six counts of assault, according to a NSW Police statement. “Any player or any official who is found guilty of these sort of offences then the game has been unambiguous and very strong in the last two years and we will continue to be that way but that is not to say in any way that you pre-judge these cases”. Peris, the daughter of former Olympian turned politician Nova Peris, filed for an apprehended violence order against the Kiwi worldwide. The pair split about three weeks ago, after living together for 18 months.

Kenny-Dowall is due to appear at Waverley Local Court on Thursday.

Sydney Roosters are bracing for a series of off-field distractions, with internationals Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Michael Jennings to face court this week.

“We understand he will plead not guilty”, Canavan said after the Roosters’ win.

Ferguson returned to playing just this season after the NRL refused to register a contract with any club for 12 months while he underwent a program of clinical support and counselling after being convicted of indecently assaulting a woman in 2013.

The 27-year-old voluntarily didn’t take to the field in his team’s clash with the Warriors today, but Mr Baird said the league needs to send a stronger message to its players. He wasn’t in a position to train with the team yesterday. His own personal preparation, the team preparation and his own welfare, the decision was made this morning for him not to play.’.

Roosters Coach Trent Robinson said Kenny-Dowall is “doing it tough”.

That could open the way for Kenny-Dowall to return to the Roosters’ line-up for their round-20 fixture against Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on Friday night.

“The NRL abhors domestic violence & there are serious consequences to anyone who’s guilty”.

The league’s refusal to stand down Kenny-Dowall could make the NRL star eligible to play on the weekend against New Zealand Warriors.

“This should not in any way be taken as an admission Shaun has done anything wrong and to do so would be incorrect”.