https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/move-pays-off-lock-forward-a-beast/3680520/ RUGBY LEAGUE: For three years 'Pup' tried in vain to lure the "beast” to Mackay. Now it's reaping rich rewards. Cutters coach Steve 'Pup' Sheppard mentored the passionate Jordan Kenworthy in the Cowboys under 20s system, and saw the wealth of potential in the hard-hitting forward. Knee injuries and a rugby league career in Townsville halted Kenworthy's burgeoning relationship with Sheppard, until the lock signed with Mackay this season. Kenworthy played like a man possessed in Saturday night's 42-20 win over the Central Queensland Capras - the first victory for the Cutters this season. His brace of tries at BB Print Stadium stole the show in the Rivalry Round clash, and his defence packed a punch with every tackle. Kenworthy has prospered back under Sheppard's tutelage, and the coach has little doubt his star can ascend to the NRL.
He said Kenworthy knocked him back a few times, but eventually the coach got his man. "When I first laid eyes on 'JK' he was playing for Brothers out in the centres, and I said to a mate of mine 'what is that kid doing out there?'” Sheppard said. "I picked him in a rep side the following year and threw him in the middle - he went gang-busters. "I'm first to say if he didn't do his knee three years ago he would have gotten an NRL contract. He's a beast; nothing fazes him, he rips off the line, puts his head and body where they're not supposed to go and doesn't stop.” Kenworthy said he owes a great deal to Sheppard for bringing out the best in his abilities. "Pup's coached me in the past and I think I just play really well under him,” he said. "He was a massive reason (why I came to Mackay) ... I've always played well under him, I like the way he coaches and he's been really good to me.” The Cutters now face the Wynnum Manly Seagulls on Sunday.
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November 2019
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