Young fullback Will Kennedy, who continues to play a leading role in the Newtown Jets 2019 Canterbury Cup campaign, has extended his contract with the Sharks into the 2020 season.

Making his NRL debut for the Sharks in their round six match against the Panthers at PointsBet Stadium, in a game won 24-20 by the Cronulla side, the 22-year-old proved to be an extremely capable deputy when called into the top grade this year.

The new one year deal allows Kennedy’s game to further develop and for him to push for more NRL appearances next season and in the years to come, which is something he has set his goals on in 2020.

Sharks coach John Morris was pleased to again have Kennedy on board for next year, with his signing now seeing all six Cronulla rookies to debut in the NRL this year signed for the club for the 2020 season.

“Will has been a part of our elite pathways system since he was in the under 18’s and we have high hopes for his future,” Morris said. “It was good for him to experience the NRL this year and he has been a standout for the Jets in the Canterbury Cup.

“His goal is to play more NRL in 2020 and after another pre-season, if he can continue to develop and improve there is no reason why he won’t.

“Will is of the highest character and like our other debutants its great he’s shown loyalty to the club by extending his contract,” Morris added.

As intimated by Morris, Kennedy joins fellow young guns and 2019 debut players Bronson Xerri, Billy Magoulias, Blayke Brailey and Ronaldo Mulitalo in committing to the Sharks next season wile also looking to tie down permanent positions in the Sharks NRL side.

Originally from Bathurst, Kennedy made the move to the Sharks and to the Shire to first represent the club in the SG Ball competition.

From there he excelled in the 18’s and then 20’s and has since been a shining light in his two seasons for the Sharks NSWRL partner club the Newtown Jets.

In 2019 Kennedy has crossed for 15 tries, to sit just one four-pointer behind the competition’s leading try scorer, while also ranking in the top 10 for line breaks and first fir kick return metres in his 21 games for the Jets.

Kennedy was again outstanding for Newtown in their win over the Bears last weekend and will wear the number one jersey on Sunday when they play the St George Illawarra Dragons for a place in the Canterbury Cup Grand Final.