AFTER Cronulla Sharks coach John Morris watched Will Kennedy star at fullback in the 2019 Canterbury Cup grand final for feeder club Newtown, he predicted the Bathurst talent would see more NRL minutes.
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But even Morris would not have predicted how soon those minutes would come.
On Tuesday afternoon the former St Pat's junior was named at fullback for the Sharks' 2020 NRL season opener against South Sydney on Saturday at ANZ Stadium.
With regular fullback Matt Moylan unavailable due to a calf injury and Josh Dugan - also an experienced custodian - recovering from a knee complaint, it put Kennedy into the selection frame.
He already has two NRL caps to his name, getting his chance last year when Moylan was sidelined with injury. Kennedy made his debut in the round six win over Penrith and retained his spot the following week against the Broncos.
During those appearances he made a combined six tackle breaks, 10 tackles and 207 running metres.
Morris also used Kennedy, who is in his third year as a Sharks contracted player, as fullback in the Sharks' pre-season trials against Canterbury and Manly.
The Sharks coach is well-versed with Kennedy's skills, having been his coach for two years when he lined up in Cronulla's under 20s outfit.
"I've seen him come right through from SG Ball level and at every level, and he's just got better and better every year. He showed today he's a big game player and he's got NRL written all over him," Morris said after watching him inspire the Newtown Jets' 2019 premiership win.
"He came through as a half early in his career but just the way he moves he's so flighty. It just comes natural to him, that fullback play, so that's where his strength is and he'll be knocking on the door next year to try and grab that number one jersey."
With another of Cronulla's rising stars and back line talents in Bronson Xerri dealing with a shoulder complaint and centre Josh Morris poised to join the Sydney Roosters, Kennedy could see more NRL game time in the coming weeks too.
Saturday's match kicks off at 5.30pm.
