Roosters stand down Kenny-Dowall

Shaun Kenny-Dowall is expected to plead not guilty to a string of domestic violence charges when he faces court this week.

Police statements reported that the incidents were believed to have taken place between October past year and June 2015.

The Sydney Roosters are bracing for off-field distractions to drag on into the finals as worldwide centres Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Michael Jennings go through court cases.

“We understand he will plead not guilty”, Canavan said.

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.

Kenny-Dowall didn’t play in Sydney Roosters’ 24-0 win over the Warriors at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday after being left out of the side in a move the NRL club described as a “welfare decision”.

But the off-field distractions have the potential to derail their premiership campaign.

To add to the their troubles prop Willis Meehan was sacked last week in the wake of allegations over his involvement in a robbery earlier this year.

“It’s easy for me to say we have a strong club because that’s the way I feel”, Robinson said. “We feel like we have a strong bond and we know our values”.

Kenny-Dowall was charged yesterday with repeatedly assaulting ex-girlfriend Jessica Peris over an eight month period.

Canavan said Kenny-Dowall, who could return for the Roosters’ next match against Wests Tigers on Friday, should be afforded the opportunity to tell his side of the story.

The league’s refusal to stand down Kenny-Dowall could make the NRL star eligible to play on the weekend against New Zealand Warriors. His own personal preparation, the team preparation and his own welfare, the decision was made this morning for him not to play.’. “Courts determine guilt no one else” Smith said in comments attributed to him on the NRL’s official Twitter feed. We definitely don’t condone anything to do with domestic violence.’.

Ms Peris filed for a Apprehended Violence Order against the NRL star on Thursday night, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. “If guilty you will be out a long time-very unsafe to prejudge”.