Nick Kenny staying a Bronco
PATIENT, hard-grafting prop Nick Kenny has celebrated his pending 50th NRL game by signing a new three-year deal with Brisbane, the club he's followed since he was a kid.
Kenny will bring up his half century of matches when he returns from a knee injury along with Peter Wallace and Sam Thaiday against Cronulla at Suncorp Stadium on Monday night. His new deal through to the end of the 2012 season is reward for the 27-year-old Rockhampton product's toil and perseverence.
Kenny was forced to wait for his chances behind a series of the game's leading props including Shane Webcke, Petero Civoniceva and Ben Hannant but he has made the most of his opportunities this season.
After bulking up in the off-season he was one of Brisbane's best forwards before suffering a knee injury which has sidelinesd him for the past five weeks as the slumping Broncos have struggled up front.
"I've loved the club since I was six years old and I was never going anywhere else,'' said Kenny. "I was very proud and honoured to play one game NRL game here. Fifty games later I have another three years at the club so it's a dream to get a long-term contract.''
Kenny, a qualified physiotherapist, is seen as a player with leadership qualities. Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak has admired Kenny's work ethic and loyalty to the club. The fact Kenny has battled for everything that has come his way since being first spotted by Brisbane as a 19-year-old has won him a lot of fans.
"Nick has worked really hard to get where he is, it's a credit to him,'' said Henjak who has named him in the front-row for Monday night's clash with Cronulla at Suncorp Stadium. "He battled all the way and displayed a tremendous character to make it.
"He loves the Broncos and he's been prepared to work hard and be patient to get what he wants.''
Daily Telegraph
