Kennedy has been a member of the Sharks' NRL squad since 2018, he made his debut in 2019 and in 2020 he cemented his spot in the number one jumper.

He's certainly had some highlights over that period, but it has been the way the talented fullback his started 2021 that has really impressed.

The former St Pat's junior worked hard in the pre-season and both his consistency and confidence since the Sharks have started their campaign proper has been noticeable.

He's scored five tries in his four appearances, two of which came in Saturday's 48-10 thumping of the North Queensland Cowboys.

But picking up four-pointers was not the only way in which he impressed.

League commentators Greg Alexander and Michael Ennis, who boast more than 500 games in the nation's top flight competition between them, praised the way Kennedy worked with the Sharks' halves against the Cowboys.

"The combination of Townsend, Moylan and Kennedy has been brilliant," Alexander said.

"The combination of Kennedy out the back. He had three line breaks and two try assists. So the spine is connected and it tells on the scoreboard ... the spine is humming."

READ MORE: Barlow named best on ground in Western under 21s grand final

REDA MORE: Western under 21s concept given the tick of approval by grand finalists

READ MORE: Hewitt, Merritt support NSW Rugby League's long term vision

Ennis said that Kennedy's work with the two halves "absolutely terrorised the Cowboys."

"They have rolled through the middle, but it has been on the edges that the spine has dominated. They have been terrific," he said.

Kennedy made 181 running metres against the Cowboys and also defused five kicks. He is currently ranked sixth in the NRL for kick return metres (223) while only Townsend has scored more points for the Sharks in 2021.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: