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Kenny-Dowall arrives

Kenny-Dowall arrives

08/30/2010 12:35:49 AM

Shaun Kenny-Dowall has always been blessed with the talent to produce a brilliant play to inspire his team or a sublime piece of skill to wow the crowds but has often struggled to produce it on a regular basis.

The Sydney Roosters centre burst onto the NRL scene in a blaze of glory as a teenager in 2007 which saw him gain an immediate Test call up with New Zealand but has failed to go on and impose himself on the competition.

Frustratingly for Roosters players, coaching staff and fans alike, the 22-year-old has become accustomed to producing as many silly errors as he does moments of magic.

But Kenny-Dowall showed he has finally arrived as a dominant first grader, playing a starring role in the Roosters' vital 30-14 win over the Sea Eagles on Sunday, his hat-trick of tries helping the club secure a finals spot less than 12 months after finishing with the wooden spoon.

The Roosters trailed 14-0 just before half-time when Kenny-Dowall produced a brilliant piece of skill to score - his tally now 18 tries in 23 games this season - and turn the game in the home side's favour.

"That was massive for us," Roosters coach Brian Smith said of the crucial four-pointer.

"He's another young guy that's had an outstanding season."

"The number of times this season he's come up with big plays at the end of the game for us has been great."

"Sometimes he hasn’t, sometimes he's messed them up but you can't mess them up unless you're in it and he's there, he keeps turning up."

Kenny-Dowall admitted consistency has been the main issue he has had to find in his game but he believes he has come of age in 2010.

"There was always a lot of talk when I've been in clear that I've made a lot of errors," the 22-year-old said.

"I always used to push the pass and made errors but it's something I've worked on."

"It's just about making a better judgement and having better execution."

While Kenny-Dowall started his career as a winger, he has found a new home in the centres in 2010 and has struck up a wonderful partnership with Sam Perrett on the Roosters' right-hand side.

Kenny-Dowall credits his change of position and that partnership with his fellow Kiwi international as the reason behind his outstanding season.

"I've definitely got a lot more confidence this year moving to centres," he said.

"The coaches been awesome with me making the transition and I just feel comfortable now."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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