HE'S already tackled sand dunes, a gruelling time trial and even rocked his moves in a purple leotard as part of a brutal Cronulla pre-season training program, but William Kennedy is "primed to make huge strides" when comes to his game in 2020.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The talented Bathurst rugby league product will this year mark his third season as a full-time member of the Sharks' NRL squad and look to build on what was a landmark 2019.
As well as shining for feeder club the Newtown Jets in the Canterbury Cup - he scored the match-winning try in the grand final - last year saw Kennedy make his NRL debut for the Sharks.
He played two games at fullback for the Sharks in 2019, the round six win over Penrith and round seven defeat at the hands of Brisbane, during a period when first-choice custodian Matt Moylan was sidelined with injury.
During those appearances Kennedy made a combined six tackle breaks, 10 tackles and 207 running metres, highlighting the threat he posses on kick receptions.
Though Kennedy is not predicted to be in the Sharks' starting line-up come round one, he has been tipped to see more NRL time by New South Wales Rugby League.
They have dubbed him one of their '20 stars for 2020'.
"Looking at the Sharks' depth of talent in the outside backs - the likes of Xerri, Dugan, Morris, Feki, Mulitalo, Ramien and Moylan - the fullback-preferred Kennedy will only benefit from some very healthy competition while aiming for further appearances in the NRL," nswrl.com.au said.
"Based on his performances across just two top-level games for Cronulla-Sutherland in 2019, Kennedy will look right at home if the opportunity presents itself for more time in the starting line-up.
"Having now spent two seasons playing in the Canterbury Cup NSW competition, the 22-year-old has shown he can mix it with players of greater experience."
Kennedy has already put in plenty of hard work to achieve his goal of more NRL game time, the Sharks squad having been pushed by coach John Morris in the seven weeks prior to Christmas.
"We've really taken it to new levels as far as the intensity of training has gone and how hard they've worked," Morris said.
"The type of training we're doing has been different to what the boys have done the last few years."
