The 15-year-old Steelers junior has been selected to represent the NSW under 16 Koori side when they take on the Queensland under 16 Murri side before the Dragons Charity Shield Clash with South Sydney in Mudgee next February. 

Kennedy views it as a big honour and he’s hopeful he will do his heritage proud. 

“It’s very special to me, it’s very important in my culture, where I’m from and the history of the Aboriginal people,” Kennedy said.

“It’s so important to us that I’m out there representing my area of Aboriginal people and so special I will be able to do that.

“It’s amazing we’re playing before the Dragons as well, those are my heroes. That’s where you want to be, playing with them.

“Ever since your’e a kid, you watch them play, see how big they are, you want to get to that level. Being Aboriginal as well, makes it so special.” 

The selection caps a successful year for the versatile forward, with the Illawarra Grammar School student representing the NSW Combined Independent Schools at the Australian under 15s Championships.  

He credits his success to the coaching provided by the Steelers as he continues to work towards his goal of playing in the NRL.

“There are a lot of opportunities that I have had. I just really try to take them on and use them to my advantage and hopefully I’m getting better as a footy player and getting closer to reaching that end goal.”

Given his prowess on the footy field, Kennedy shapes as a contender for a NSW Blues Under 16 jersey in 2019. Should he earn selection, the Wests Illawarra junior is confident he will make the most of the opportunity.

“That would be great, it’s a step closer to the NRL, to achieving that goal. Any opportunity I get, I try my hardest and push myself. If I did get that, it’s not there yet, but if I get there, I’ll definitely take it with both hands.”