Scary, Freaky, Resilient: Will Kennedy’s under the radar run to Dally M lead

Sharks fullback Will Kennedy’s surge to the lead of the Dally M medal count has been backed by his teammates who have revealed an incredible tale of tenacity by the Cronulla custodian.

Sharks fullback Will Kennedy’s surge to the lead of the Dally M medal count has been backed by his teammates who have revealed how he played just hours after being in hospital.

Kennedy is enjoying a blistering start to the season that has elevated him to the top of Dally M voting with a string of influential performances that has the Sharks chasing three-straight wins against the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday afternoon.

Off-contract at the end of this season, Sharks management are working towards keeping Kennedy at the club.

It’s any wonder why.

Despite being regularly overlooked as one of the game’s premier fullbacks by rival fans and teams, Kennedy’s reputation is an increasing one.

“His progression has been massive, just leaps and bounds,” Sharks teammate Siosifa Talakai said.

“On any given day, Will with his confidence at its utmost peak, I don’t see any other fullback touching him.

“There’s still room for growth for him as well, it’s scary what he can do.”

Siosifa Talakai (R) has praised his teammate Will Kennedy (L). Picture: NRL Images

The son of former Balmain fullback, William ‘Bubba” Kennedy, the 28-year-old has never been short of speed, brilliant evasive skill and footwork.

However, Kennedy’s development has come through his willingness to play physical, tough and to put his body on the line in try-saving situations.

He also boasts a level of resilience and desire for his teammates that only the Cronulla dressing room have been aware of – until now.

Four weeks ago the Sharks fullback took on the Bulldogs just hours after being treated in hospital for a serious elbow infection which was causing immense pain

After an 80-minute effort that included 17 runs for over 140-metres, Kennedy finished the game and returned to hospital for further treatment.

“Publicly he goes under the radar but internally he knows how valued he is to us,” hard-nosed Sharks backrower Teig Wilton said.

“Not many people know that he’s played injured for us in some big games in the past.

“He’s got that in him. He’s got that grit.

“He was in hospital, came back out and you would never have known. He killed it and did his job.

“That’s one of the things you don’t hear about, but we know it as a team.

“He definitely goes under the radar.

“I think he’s been absolutely unreal for us at the start of the year.

“He’s obviously loved by all the boys.

“He’s been one of those boys that have come all through the grades. He’s definitely an integral part of our team.

“He’s got the skill and talent to produce those moments, but he’s also doing the hard stuff really well.”

Humble and softly-spoken, Kennedy could be vocal to the press about being without a contract or use his agent to help pump up his asking price.

That’s just not him.

Instead, content to let his 27 tackle busts this season and average 124-metres do the talking.

“He’s freaky,” Sharks enforcer Addin Fonua-Blake said.

“The way he’s able to catch the ball and step at the same time, it doesn’t go lost on us big boys when we see Will catching the ball like that and racing up the field.

“He’s under the radar, but hopefully he starts getting the wraps he deserves.”

Originally published as Scary, Freaky, Resilient: Will Kennedy’s under the radar run to Dally M lead