NRL: Will Kennedy earns praise for his efforts at fullback from Cronulla's caretaker coach

In the space of three days the Sharks endured the messy departure of coach John Morris, a host of speculation about players off contract at the end of the season, then a heartbreaking 26-22 loss to the Newcastle Knights.

But through it all the Sharks' number one, Will Kennedy, continued to do what has seen him produce the best football of his emerging NRL career.

He worked hard at training and in Friday night's round six clash, he did his best to spark the Sharks' attack while his work in defence included a try-saver.

"I think he's shown one of the really good fullbacks in our competition now," Sharks caretaker coach Josh Hannay said after the loss to the Knights.

"I think it's only onwards and upwards now for Will and I'd be loathe to think we'd be making any changes there."

Prior to Friday night's match the Sharks had managed just two wins from five outings as they battled injuries and talk about the future of Morris.

But Kennedy had been a standout at fullback.

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He had scored six tries across those five games and been voted as Cronulla's man of the match in a fan poll three times.

The former St Pat's junior also sat equal third in the Dally M vote count with only Ryan Papenhuyzen, Latrell Mitchell and Nathan Cleary having polled more votes than him.

Kennedy had picked up three points in the Sharks' season-opening win over the Dragons and got another two when helping his side to a 48-10 walloping of the Cowboys in round four.

Even in the 26-18 round five loss to the Roosters, Kennedy secured two Dally M points.

On Friday night Kennedy injected himself into the attack on both sides of the field, but his combination with winger Connor Tracey on the left edge was particularly threatening.

That duo helped spark a comeback in the second half as the Sharks came from a 20-12 deficit to a two-point lead.

Tracey crossed after a nice cut-out ball from Kennedy. It was the fullback's fourth try assist of the season.

"He's been their best attacking player all year," former Australian representative turned commentator Greg Alexander said.

"Everything that is good that comes from the Sharks goes through Kennedy," added fellow commentator Dan Ginnane.

The Sharks surrendered their lead with 2:47 left on the clock, adding more disappointment to a hard week.

But Kennedy's statistics were still good. As well as his try assist he had three line break assists while he made 149 metres from his 16 runs.

In the first half his desperation tackle on Newcastle's Jacob Safiti helped to force a knock-on and prevent what looked destined to be a try.

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