Sydney Roosters star Shaun Kenny-Dowall has AVO application filed against him

“The Sydney Roosters wish to advise that following consultation with the club’s coaching and welfare staff, it has been decided together with Shaun Kenny-Dowall, that he will not be playing this afternoon”, the statement read.

It is alleged the offences occurred between October last year and June this year. Kenny-Dowall was granted conditional bail but has been ordered to appear before Waverley Local Court on Thursday.

In a statement released by the Roosters on Sunday morning the club advised Kenny-Dowall would not be playing in the round 19 match.

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

“He is struggling. It is a very serious matter”.

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

The New Zealand Test star has been a strong contributor for the Roosters this season, scoring eight tries in his past six games and is on track to break the club record of 139 tries set by former skipper Anthony Minichiello.

‘That’s all we’re saying.

ROOSTERS centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall has been charged with a range of assault offences after an apprehended violence order was filed against him by former partner Jessica Peris.

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

NSW Premier Mike Baird said the NRL needed to take a stronger stance against Kenny-Dowall and said he would be talking to the organisation. However, the league spokesman said via Sydney Morning Herald that NRL will monitor Kenny-Dowall’s case and will take ample measures when the full facts about the situation are clear, adding that there is “no place” for domestic violence in the league.