ROOSTERS star Shaun Kenny-Dowall has not appeared in court over domestic violence charges.
His absence follows news he was last night admitted to hospital after undertaking a mental health assessment in a joint decision made by concerned Roosters officials and his family.
Kenny-Dowall was due to appear in Waverley Local Court this morning 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.
His lawyer Chris Watson did not enter a plea on his behalf and said he had not received instructions from his client because he was in hospital.
Watson told Registrar Craig Cooke he had been unable to speak to Dowall this week and had no instructions because he was in hospital.
I have not been able to see him. He is not in a state of health for me to take instructions, he said.
Outside of court Watson said he could not confirm statements by the Roosters that Dowall would plead not guilty.
I saw that in the media but I am not sure what the source is, he said. He is in hospital as an inpatient, I dont have any details. It is serious, he is not well.
Mr Watson said he only spoken briefly to Dowall about the case who is at a Wesley Mission Hospital.
Shaun Kenny-Dowalls Roosters teammates have reached out with their support. Source: News Corp Australia
I have not discussed the case with him yet, he said.
It was unclear if Dowall would be out of hospital to attend the next court appearance.
I didnt get a crystal ball with my law degree. Im not in a position to speak to my client about the matter so I cant usefully add anything at all, Watson said.
The matter was adjourned until August 6.
The decision for Kenny-Dowall to seek medical help was made as a precaution because of the clubs concerns about for 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 wasnt considered for selection for Friday nights clash against the Wests Tigers.
Lawyer Chris Watson acting for Shaun Kenny-Dowall Source: News Corp Australia
He was also rested from last Sundays 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: Ive had many chats with Shaun (over the past few weeks).
Its a tough period for him at the moment. Hes in a bit of a dark place.
Hes 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.
Ive sent him a message, and hes doing it pretty tough, Friend said.
He knows were all supporting him, hes having time to himself to get his head right, and hopefully in the next few weeks hell be back around the office and into the footy again.
Were 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 doesnt 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 wellbeing.
He needs some time to be around his family at the moment, we support that, and whenever hes ready to come back, well welcome him with open arms, Cordner said.
This club has been through a bit in the past, but at this present time, hes a good mate, and well 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.
