Parramatta rugby league great Brett Kenny is digging in for the fight of his life after being diagnosed with cancer.
The 56-year-old learned last week he had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and would undergo chemotherapy in the near future.
“When I first got told, it sort of knocked the hell out of me a bit,” Kenny told the Seven Network.
“In a lot of ways, I’m probably looking forward to getting started with the chemo because I know, once that starts, we’re well on truly on the way to trying to fix this and get rid of the cancer.”
A brilliant five-eighth from the NSW south coast, Kenny played 256 games for Parramatta from 1980-93, scoring 110 tries.
Alongside Peter Sterling, Ray Price, Mick Cronin and Steve Ella, he was part of the Eels’ only four premierships within six seasons in the 1980s (1981-83, 1986). He is considered one of the club’s finest.
He also played 17 State of Origins for NSW – and was a part of the Blues’ first series win in 1985 – as well as 17 Tests for Australia.
But Kenny said conquering the life-threatening disease would far outweigh any of his heroics on the football field.
“It’s not like getting ready to play in a grand final or State of Origin,” Kenny said.
Parramatta coach Brad Arthur said the club would rally around Kenny as he began his battle.
“He’s one of the greatest players ever to play for our club,” Arthur told Triple M’s Dead Set Legends.
“It’s a real shame but the Parramatta Eels will get behind him. The support will be nice and strong for him to pull through it.”
jamesb
Guest
Good luck Bert. Never give up.
Ray
Guest
I remember Brett growing up. Dad used to take us to the eels home games. He was super fast and my favourite player although back then u could choose from heaps in Parramatta as they were all gifted. Brett i wish u well mate and even though you're going through another battle you're not forgotten, you're in our prayers n thoughts, most certainly you're in mine and stay strong brother.
Steve Wilson
Guest
Used to play golf with him on tuesday arvo's at Rosnay, when he was working with Berri at the time, jimmy Auerlius, Brian and Troy Bosden,Greg and Craig Dillon,all top blokes and all could play, good luck bert, champion on and of the park, and a good sledger at golf just quietly.
Andrew
Guest
My footy idol and the reason I started watching rugby league. Loved taking intercepts in the playground just like Bert. Good luck to him in this battle. I am sure his mates Guru and Sterlo will enjoy the opportunity to chip him about his hair as they support him over the coming months. Editing note from the AAP read,; Pretty sure Kenny was born in Sydney not the (south coast) and a Guildford junior.
Albo
Guest
Champion footballer. Top bloke . He will surely beat this attack with his usual aplomb ! Go Bert !
The Barry
Roar Guru
Good luck Bert...dig deep.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
One would hope that he comes out the other side after chemo. A truly great player and a really nice guy. My thoughts are with him and his family.
Womblat
Guest
As a passionate Queenslander, Brett Kenny in his prime scared the hell out of me. He was that good, he made me wish he was a Cane Toad. "Classy" doesn't even come close. One image burned in my mind was him as an Eel getting past Bronco Tony Currie, one of the best defensive backs in the world, one on one, like TC was a telephone post. Magic. Best wishes to one of the best ever players in our code for a speedy recovery.