Roosters Sean Kenny-Dowall (left) and Mark O'Dare doing sprint training at Centennial Park. Picture: Bob Barker Source: The Daily Telegraph
SHAUN Kenny-Dowall seemed to spend most of last year going backwards.
A lacerated kidney, back fracture and groin complaint restricted his availability for the struggling Roosters, who are an infinitely more potent proposition when their Kiwi strike weapon is fit and firing.
Now that he has almost regained peak condition after off-season surgery, Kenny-Dowall is loathe to miss a beat as the Roosters prepare for redemption under new coach Trent Robinson.
That's why he and teammates Mitchell Pearce, Aiden Guerra and Tom Symonds spent the first half of New Year's Eve working their legs instead of elbows yesterday.
Under the command of sprint coach Roger Fabri, the foursome were run ragged through a sharp series of footwork and sprint drills designed to ignite the strength they have accumulated in eastern suburbs gyms over the past three months.
"We're doing this during the break to maintain what we've built over the pre-season," Kenny-Dowall said.
"As athletes, you don't want to lose what you've worked so hard to build.
"If you don't have your mind on the job all the time it can be easy to lose. We want to be all guns blazing when we go back to training."
Their official return is a mere 48 hours away because the Roosters are one of a handful of clubs summoned back this week rather than next Monday.
Fabri, who was part of the coaching staff two years ago, has already noticed an improved work ethic.
"Their enthusiasm and application has certainly gone up a notch," Fabri said.
With BJ Leilua released to join Newcastle and Tautau Moga sidelined until midway through this year with an ACL tear, Kenny-Dowall shapes as a crucial backline cog.
"The season is getting closer and closer and we all can't wait," he said.
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