New Zealand international Shaun Kenny-Dowall has joined Newcastle Knights, ending rumours of a move to Super League to Salford Red Devils.
The 29-year-old saw his contract terminated by former club Sydney Roosters after being charge for cocaine possession and, with his future up in the air, has joined the Knights on a deal that runs until the end of the 2019 season.
Kenny-Dowall made his NRL debut in 2007 with the Roosters, playing 224 games and winning the NRL in 2013, while also featuring 21 times for New Zealand.
But the New Zealander is keen to put his misdemeanours behind him with the move to Newcastle, and is hoping for a fresh start.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity and I’m very thankful to the Knights and to Browny (Head coach Nathan Brown) and Gids (CEO Matt Gidley) for giving me this opportunity and for me it’s a fresh start,” said Kenny-Dowall
“I’m really excited at the prospect and moving out of Sydney and getting to know the Newcastle community and a bit of a slow pace of life.
“I am putting my recent challenges behind me and look forward to starting this new chapter at the Knights.”
CEO Matt Gidley added: “Shaun is an international and premiership winning player and I have no doubt he will impress both on and off the field.
“While Shaun has been through a difficult period recently, following our discussions we are confident he will make a positive contribution to the Club and community.”
Kenny-Dowall will have to wait for his Newcastle debut, however, with a hamstring injury ruling him out of this Sunday’s NRL fixture with Wests Tigers.