Kennedy proud to carry family legacy ahead of Bathurst homecoming

Saturday's match is an early clash between two premiership contenders, with both sides riding high after dominant Round 1 wins. 

Cronulla have struggled against the Panthers in recent years, however the game provides a chance to make a statement for a side desperate to take a big step forward in 2026. 

While everyone out west knew the Kennedy's, Will largely grew up outside the NRL bubble.

The skilful Indigenous kid from Bathurst was happy playing footy and having fun with his mates and didn't land on the radar of Sydney-based scouts until he turned 15.

Having seen other kids his age thrive after moving to the city, Kennedy followed their lead. The teenager took a leap of faith and moved away from his family to chase his rugby league dream. 

Kennedy lived at the Kirinari Hostel near Kareela, finished his schooling at Endeavour High School and slowly worked his way through the Sharks junior pathway.

The fullback eventually made his NRL debut in 2019 and has developed into a key figure in a perennial contender. His career has already exceeded his wildest dreams. 

"There wasn't much opportunity in Bathurst," Kennedy said. "You'd have to travel to Sydney for the trials, I didn't really do any of that when I was playing junior footy. 

"It wasn't until I was 15, I moved here and started playing my junior footy here and then got scouted from there. I never thought that I'd be here today."

Kennedy isn't the only Shark looking forward to a homecoming of sorts this weekend.

Centre Jesse Ramien grew up in Coonamble, about four hours north-west of Bathurst. Five-eighth Braydon Trindall is from the tiny town of Wee Waa in the New England region and backrower Billy Burns hails from Parkes. 

Kennedy and Trindall are cousins and have played together at the Koori Knockout over the years. 

As for Ramien, it didn't take him long to recognise a teenaged-Kennedy had what it takes to make it in the NRL. 

"I played against Will all through school and he was always a special player and a good fella," Ramien said. "It's good we've been able to link up here at the Sharks. 

"People ask about me, Will and [Trindall] and how close we are. We all come from similar backgrounds, we grew up in similar communities out in the country. Having that connection makes it easy for us to relate to each other and draw on each other's energy. We've got a similar sense of humour and personalities."

While two crucial competition points are on the line, Saturday's game is about more than that for Ramien.

Like Kennedy, the centre had a stint at Kirinari Hostel during his teenage years as he chased his rugby league dream. Opportunities were limited out west and visits from NRL clubs were rare. 

That first-hand experience outlines why Ramien is so passionate about connecting with regional communities whenever he gets the chance. 

As a Penrith home game, the Panthers will hold a number of community events leading into the match, including a fan day on Thursday afternoon. The club has invested plenty of resources into western NSW in recent years, providing a pathway to the NRL side. 

Ramien said Saturday is another opportunity to show local kids it is possible to achieve their dream of playing professional rugby league.

"These games are more about the impact you have on the community," Ramien said. "A lot of kids and a lot of families don't get the opportunity to make it to Sydney to watch the NRL. 

"These games mean they're able to go to something like this and it's a memory that can last a lifetime. Just being out there and being able to come to a training session or meet a player, hopefully I can inspire them that they can be the next big thing in the NRL. 

"The community and the area in general are the real winners and the reason why we take games out that way."

Kennedy returns to Bathurst on the back of a scintillating Round 1 performance in last week's win over the Titans. 

The fullback enjoyed a similarly impressive start to last year and led the Dally M count after 10 rounds.

Kennedy's form dropped off slightly in the middle portion of the season before picking back up in the run to the finals. 

The 28-year-old recognises he learnt plenty of lessons about consistency throughout 2025 and is ready to put them into practice this year.  

"I didn't expect to be up that high in the Dally M standings," Kennedy said. "It's a reflection on the season, overall it was one of my better seasons I've had.

"I want to do that again and maintain that consistency by being at my best all the time. 

"I take a lot of lessons out of what the elite fullbacks are doing. Guys like Tommy [Trbojevic] and Teddy, a lot of players can learn off them. It's good to see how other players play and adapt that into your game."

After growing up watching has dad run around the fields of western NSW on a weekly basis, Kennedy eventually had the chance to play alongside Bubba when they teamed up at the Walgett Knockout. 

The relationship came full circle at the 2022 Koori Knockout, when they lined up for Goodooga. 

It was a passing of the torch moment for country rugby league royalty, the last time father and son played together before Bubba hung up the boots. 

Will is determined to continue the family legacy, whether it be in the NRL, at the Koori Knockout or on the fields of western NSW. 

As for whether he'll keep playing as long as his father did, well the 28-year-old knows there's only one way to find out. 

"It will be hard because he was pretty old and he just kept playing," Will said. "I don't know, maybe I've also got the genes in me too. I'll just have to keep playing and we'll find out."