Contract news, Will Kennedy, Cronulla Sharks, Kade Dykes injury update

Sharks manager Craig Fitzgibbon says the club are locked in talks with Will Kennedy over a possible contract extension after the full-back stole the show with his first career hat-trick in Friday’s win over Parramatta.

The 25-year-old has been one of the unsung heroes in a star-studded backline that has seen the likes of Jesse Ramien, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Siosifa Talakai extend stints in the Shire in recent months.

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Kennedy is out of contract at the end of the season but a key target for a club that saw Lachie Miller join the Knights, while youngster Kade Dykes will not play again this year after suffering a devastating knee injury on the eve of the season.

“There’s a lot of discussion going on there, so that’s going to happen. We’ve got to get back to Will and there’s a little back and forth there. We’re still in the process of keeping Will,” Fitzgibbon said.

“We’re on it, but we probably can’t talk about where the real discussion is at this point. He’s important to us and that’s all I’ll say about that.”

Those of the Daily Telegraph David Riccio said the Sharks are “deep in negotiations” with Kennedy’s management.

“The situation out there at the Sharks is young Kade Dykes who has a lot of hype and promise, we know he suffered an ACL tear in preseason practice… but it’s going to be almost a wait and see with Kade see how he’s coming back,” Riccio continued Triple M‘Saturday Scrum’.

“But in the meantime, the Sharks are working on extending Will Kennedy to a one- or two-year contract.”

Kennedy excelled in the 30-26 win over Parramatta, crossing for a first-half double before pushing through a muddled defense to score a crucial try after the break.

He dropped a bombshell that was punished by Mitch Moses a few games later, but it was an otherwise dominant display from the 25-year-old who may have added just a few bucks more to his next deal.

“I don’t think Will is getting the recognition he deserves for what he brings to our team. Players love him and they love playing with him,” Fitzgibbon said.

“His position is at a high level and unfortunately he lost that kick but it was still a special night the way he played tonight. We love having him.”