Will Kennedy‘s impressive start to the NRL season could force the Sharks into a major re-think over the off-contract star’s future at the club. The fullback starred in Sunday’s 36-22 win over the Warriors, which was overshadowed by injuries to key players from both clubs.
Cronulla look set to be without gun centre Jesse Ramien for at least a month after he hobbled off with what was described as a “potentially high grade” knee injury. While luckless Warriors playmaker Luke Metcalf is set to be sidelined again after another cruel blow in just his second game back from a long-term absence due to an ACL injury from last year.
The Sharks and Warriors both copped injury blows during their NRL Round 5 clash as Cronulla fullback Will Kennedy (centre) put forward a fresh case to earn a new contract. Pic: Getty
Teammate Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad also went off after copping a knock to the head during a tackle on Kennedy. But Warriors coach Andrew Webster suggested it was just a “jarred neck” and confirmed the Kiwi Test star had passed his head injury assessment.
Injuries rock Sharks and Warriors in Round 5 clash
However, the Warriors coach conceded that Metcalf faced another stint on the sidelines with a fresh hamstring issue, having missed the majority of last year and the opening rounds of 2026 after recovering from an ACL injury. But Webster said the playmaker was confident his latest blow was not as serious as previous issues.
“Luke’s had a few (hamstring strains) obviously in the past, and he currently feels like it’s OK,” Webster said after the game. “He’s gonna miss time in football, but he doesn’t feel like it’s a long-term one. He’s just talking about how he’s felt with others in the past around that.”
The Sharks copped their own setback when Ramien limped off midway through the second half with a suspected medial collateral ligament tear. The club suggested it was a “potentially high grade” issue for the in-form centre that could rule him out of action for 1-2 months.
Will Kennedy stakes fresh case for new contract at Cronulla
Amid the carnage at Shark Park on Sunday, Kennedy put forward another compelling case to be handed a contract extension at Cronulla. The livewire fullback bagged an impressive try-scoring double in an influential display alongside Cronulla halves Nicho Hynes and Brayden Trindall to fire the hosts to their third win in five games.
Will Kennedy (L) celebrates with Sharks teammate KL Iro during their NRL Round 5 victory over the Warriors. Pic: Getty
(Matt Blyth via Getty Images)
Kennedy also had a try assist, two line breaks, six tackle busts and ran for 154 metres against the Warriors. But Cronulla are yet to hand him a new deal for 2027, and only gave the fullback a one-year extension for this season late last year. But Kennedy’s strong form to start 2026 could force the Sharks into a re-think about his future at the club.
The 28-year-old has been central to a Cronulla attack that is currently the fourth-best in the competition. And the continued uncertainty around his future could open the door for rival clubs such as the Perth Bears to pounce, if Cronulla fails to lock down their No.1 in the coming months.