SYDNEY Roosters star Shaun Kenny-Dowall has been admitted to hospital after undertaking a mental health assessment.
Kenny-Dowall was due to appear in Waverley Local Court on Thursday on 10 domestic violence charges, including six counts of common assault, one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and stalking/intimidating his former partner, Jessica Peris.
The Daily Telegraph understands Kenny-Dowall was admitted to hospital on Tuesday, in a joint decision made by concerned Roosters officials and his family.
The decision was made as a precaution because of the club?s concerns about his wellbeing.
A source has told The Daily Telegraph Kenny-Dowall has been not himself and had gone into his shell since his former partner applied for an apprehended violence order against him last Thursday.
The 27-year-old has been given time off by the Roosters and wasn?t considered for selection for Friday night?s clash against the Wests Tigers.
He was also rested from last Sunday?s 24-0 win over the New Zealand Warriors.
Speaking on Sterlo On The Couch on Fox Sports on Wednesday night, Roosters coach Trent Robinson described Kenny-Dowall as ?being in a dark place??.
While he was not asked specifically about Kenny-Dowall being admitted to hospital, Robinson said: ?I?ve had many chats with Shaun (over the past few weeks).
?It?s a tough period for him at the moment. He?s in a bit of a dark place.
?He?s not in a good enough state to get out there and play.?
His teammates, including co-captain Jake Friend, said it was important Kenny-Dowall put health before football.
?I?ve sent him a message, and he?s doing it pretty tough,?? Friend said.
?He knows we?re all supporting him, he?s having time to himself to get his head right, and hopefully in the next few weeks he?ll be back around the office and into the footy again.
?We?re hoping Shaun is back into training and playing as soon as possible, but his frame of mind and his health is first and foremost, and footy doesn?t compete with that.??
Another Roosters? player Boyd Cordner, said he had also reached out to Kenny-Dowall via text, and was only worried about his well-being.
?He needs some time to be around his family at the moment, we support that, and whenever he?s ready to come back, we?ll welcome him with open arms,?? Cordner said.
?This club has been through a bit in the past, but at this present time, he?s a good mate, and we?ll support him all the way.??
Teammate Brendan Elliot was given the call-up at the last minute, and retains his place on Friday night.
?Brendan was told the day before the game he would be playing, and for him to come in and play the way he did, the boys really respect and trust him on the field,?? Friend said.
