Sydney Roosters have welcomed the return of star Shaun Kenny-Dowall to the NRL this weekend, for the first time since allegations of domestic violence were levelled against him.
Kenny-Dowall was been named on Tuesday in coach Trent Robinson’s side for their round 22 clash with Newcastle at Hunter Stadium on Sunday.
The Kiwi international has missed the past three Roosters games after being charged on July 18 over a number of alleged incidents involving former girlfriend Jessica Peris.
Kenny-Dowall takes the place of Brendan Elliot on the Tricolours’ right wing, with Isaac Liu coming onto the bench for Sam Moa who will miss four weeks with a wrist injury.
The 27-year-old Kenny-Dowall was hospitalised two weeks ago amid concerns over his mental welfare, before returning to Roosters training last week. His case will be heard in court again on Thursday.
Premiership-winning Roosters five-eighth James Maloney said he was glad to see Kenny-Dowall back.
“He has been back around training so that is all positive and he was playing some really good footy before he had that time off,” Maloney said.
Tariq Sims and David Fa’alogo return for Danny Buderus’s last placed Knights side.
Back-rower Kyle Turner has been named for South Sydney for their match-up with Manly at Brookvale Oval on Friday night, but doubts remain over his availability given the heavy concussion he suffered last weekend.
Steve Matai is back for Manly with Tom Trbojevic falling out of Geoff Toovey’s side.
Aiden Tolman, Frank Pritchard and Curtis Rona return to bolster Canterbury for their match against Brisbane on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium. The Broncos are unchanged despite their 30-point loss against Manly last week.
Jonathan Wright replaces Konrad Hurrell in the Warriors centres against St George Illawarra in Wellington on Saturday. Trent Merrin returns for the Dragons after a four-match ban incurred in State of Origin III.
Will Hopoate and Brad Takairangi are back in the centres for Parramatta’s home match against Penrith in Darwin on Saturday night. Corey Norman returns from a knee injury to partner Luke Kelly in the Eels halves with Joseph Paulo pushed out to 18th man.
Captain Nate Myles is back from a foot injury for Gold Coast against Melbourne at AAMI Park on Sunday.
Glen Buttriss will play at hooker in place of the injured Josh Hodgson for Canberra’s Monday night fixture against Wests Tigers in the nation’s capital.
Both Cronulla and North Queensland are unchanged for their game at Remondis Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Muzz
Guest
No Steve. I'd need all the facts to be able to make that type of call.
Steve
Guest
So you agree that SKD should be stood down then?
Samtwocan
Guest
And ... Welcome back SKD
Muzz
Guest
No Steve. They stood him down because he's a nobody and is disposable. It was a different story last season with their left centre.
catcat
Guest
Exactly, he can seek compensation from the club for loss of wages, reputation etc. So can SKD if he is found not guilty.
Steve
Guest
You work in the government eh?
db
Guest
My workplace would make that percentage look miniscule.
Steve
Guest
They stood him down because they knew all hell would break loose in the media if they dared play him. For some reason this doesn't seem to apply to SKD.
Muzz
Guest
His club South Sydney stood him down not the NRL so perhaps you should take it up with them.
Steve
Guest
Its a tough situation but im sick to death of players continually being in trouble. How many players do the Roosters have now that have had brushes with the law? Put that % into your work environment and you would surely raise your eyebrows?
Steve
Guest
Ask Cody Walker that question. He was out of the game for most of this year after having been charged with domestic violence, and guess what? He was found not guilty. SKD has been treated with kid gloves by the media over this. The same can't be said for other players who have been dragged through the mud by the press for the same thing.
Samtwocan
Guest
The days have gotten slightly longer.
Steve
Guest
So whats the difference between 2 weeks ago and now regarding SKD?
Samtwocan
Guest
The roosters will have to get their heads right against Newcastle. If this game is even close I think you can at least pick up the pen and get ready to put a line through the roosters for 2015. They need to win convincingly.