Newcastle Knights put contract talks on hold with Shaun Kenny-Dowall

NEWCASTLE have reacted to allegations Shaun Kenny-Dowall has been caught in possession of cocaine — and it’s not good news for the Roosters star.

NEWCASTLE have reacted to allegations Shaun Kenny-Dowall has been caught in possession of cocaine at a Sydney nightclub by immediately placing all contract talks with the Roosters star on hold.

According to a police spokeswoman, Kenny-Dowall was allegedly caught in possession of .046 grams of cocaine when the 29-year-old was searched by officers at the Ivy Bar nightclub at 1am on Friday.

Kenny-Dowall is alleged to have been handed a field court attendance notice for possession of a prohibited drug.

CAUGHT OUT: Kenny-Dowall to face court on drug charges

Shaun Kenny-Dowall’s talks with the Knights have been put on hold.

Off contract with the Roosters at the end of this season the former New Zealand representative had held several discussions with the Knights, including a meeting with coach Nathan Brown last month.

During the meeting, Kenny-Dowall impressed Newcastle officials with his willingness and desire to be part of the club’s rebuilding process.

The Knights had yet to finalise a formal contract offer, but were believed to be just days away from extending the Roosters centre a three-year proposal.

However, the Daily Telegraph understands the Knights — who are owned by the NRL — are now reassessing their interest in Kenny-Dowall, with a final decision to be made after he appears in Downing Centre Local Court on June 21.