Foundation GIANT Adam Kennedy has re-signed on a new two-year deal, taking him through to the end of 2024.
The number 40 joined the GIANTS as an undrafted 19-year-old ahead of the club’s inaugural season in 2012.
After making an impressive debut in the club’s first-ever game, the 30-year-old has gone on to play 143 games in the orange and charcoal over the last 11 years.
The contract extension is a just reward for the defender who’s been an anchor in the backline this season, since his return to the senior side in round three.
“I’m absolutely stoked to be sticking around for another two years,” Kennedy said.
“The last few years have looked a bit different for everyone, and I think coming into this season - whether it was because of form or injuries - I wasn’t really sure what my future looked like.
“But now, to have got some consistent footy under my belt, and see my form back at a level that the coaches are happy with, I’ve been happy with how the year has gone for me personally.
“Obviously from a team point of view we’d love to have had more success and a few more wins, but I’m happy to be sticking with the club, and to keep building towards finals footy in the future.”
After missing much of 2021 with shoulder and hamstring injuries, the rebounding defender has looked settled in his position down back, which Kennedy attributes to the impact of new GIANTS backline coach Craig Jennings since his arrival in November.
“As soon as I knew about the deal, I texted some close family and friends and Jenno (Craig Jennings) is one person I wanted to tell straight away,” he said.
“I’ve always had the belief that my best can hold up against the best, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I had a few doubts about where I was at, at the start of this year.
“I didn’t know what position I’d be this year because I’ve played a little bit half-forward and on the wing, but in the end I’ve found myself down back and he’s really welcomed me down there, and really built my belief back up about my game.
“To only come in eight months ago and already have the connection he has with his players, he's definitely one person I reached out to first because of how positive and beneficial he’s been for not just me, but for all the backs this year.”
One of six remaining foundation players, Kennedy has seen it all – from humble beginnings training on a baseball field at Blacktown to a Grand Final appearance in 2019 – and as the club has celebrated more than a decade of growth, Kennedy admits it’s something he’s very proud of.
“Being an ‘OG’ of the club is something I hold really close to my heart. To see where we started from, you hear a lot of the older players say it, how far the club has come,” he said.
“The development of the whole club is something I’ve loved seeing and being a part of, and it’s something I want to see keep happening – for us to get bigger and better - and I think we’re in a really strong position to do that.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be that guy giving orders, or standing up in front of the group, I’m not really that type of leader.
“I’d like to think the relationships I build and having good honest chats, especially with our younger boys, that maybe I can pass on a little bit of my knowledge that way.
“When I look back, I want to know that the club is in a better spot than it was a few years ago, or even now. Every year I want to keep improving myself, and improving where the club is at, and by helping some of the younger guys I think that’s an area where I can do that.”
Kennedy missed last week’s match but is expected to be available for selection this weekend once he clears his final concussion protocols. The GIANTS take on the Blues at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
