Sharks skipper's big prediction after William Kennedy burns Bulldogs with hat-trick
Cronulla fullback Will Kennedy has continued his career-best season after a scintillating display against Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Kennedy was the main man for his side, scoring a first-half hat-trick to take the game away from the opposition with the Sharks winning 33-20.
With a number of quality fullbacks in the NRL, Kennedy is certainly putting his name in the conversation as one of the most improved players in the position. The Sharks gun has scored nine tries in seven games this season, along with two hat-tricks.
READ MORE: Brisbane cops double blow in hip-drop carnage
READ MORE: Djokovic launches racquet in 'below standard' loss
READ MORE: Cody Simpson hits out at 'ridiculous' commentary
Sharks captain Nicho Hynes believes there's still plenty more to come from the 26-year-old.
William Kennedy celebrates scoring a try against Canterbury Bulldogs. Getty
"He's outstanding, he's someone who doesn't get the wraps he deserves," he told Fox League post-game.
"He's such a humble, quiet kid who just wants to work hard - you tell him to do something on the field, he'll do it for you.
"If he just keeps growing with his confidence, he could be a top line fullback in this competition. He just needs to believe in himself and hope he keeps doing that."
Inside the first ten minutes against Canterbury, Kennedy had two tries to blow the Bulldogs out of the water with a 12-2 lead.
Bulldogs centre Braidon Burns hit back for the side in his game of the year with a clinical finish down the right edge.
Stream the NRL premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now
Kennedy then had his hat-trick after 22 minutes in controversial circumstances after Teig Wilton appeared to obstruct Kyle Flanagan during the play.
"Great call, that is a very good call, because Flanagan was not trying to move across and get himself involved in the tackle," Fox League's Greg Alexander said.
"(Wilton) didn't touch his (outside) shoulder; Flanagan hung the arm out.
"That is a very good call by the Bunker."
The Bulldogs had a sniff at half-time though when the score was 18-14 thanks to a Declan Casey try.
Cronulla came out spirited in the second half and never looked like losing with Matt Moylan and Sione Katoa running in tries to go with a Nicho Hynes penalty goal and field goal.
The Mole's team of the week: Enforcer's 'timely reminder' to Maroons selectors
