Shaun Kenny-Dowall vows to repay Newcastle Knights for lifeline
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It took several meetings and deep consideration from the Newcastle board of directors, but the Knights have resurrected the career of Shaun Kenny-Dowall a week after he pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine.
Kenny-Dowall has signed with the Knights for the remainder of this season and the next two years, and has vowed to "repay the club for the faith they have shown in me".
The 29-year-old was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond but escaped conviction at Dowling Centre Court last week after he pleaded guilty to having 0.29 grams of cocaine at a Sydney night club on May 5.
Kenny-Dowall was in Newcastle on Tuesday, where he met with Knights coach Nathan Brown and club officials to finalise the deal after undergoing a medical. He will train with his new teammates for the first time on Wednesday but is carrying a hamstring injury, and his first appearance for the Knights is most likely to be against his former club, the Roosters, at Allianz Stadium on July 21.
The Knights board had reservations about bringing a player charged with drug possession into a young playing group and Fairfax Media understands that another strike would result in immediate action.
"While Shaun has been through a difficult period recently, following our discussions we are confident he will make a positive contribution to the club and community," chief executive Matt Gidley said in a statement.
In a further boost, the Knights are close to finalising deals with boom Broncos youngsters, centre Tautau Moga and prop Herman Ese'ese.
Kenny-Dowall, who has not played since being stood down by the Roosters on May 8, will be joined next year by fellow Bondi boy Aidan Guerra, and the club is also in talks with promising utility back Connor Watson.