Shaun Kenny-Dowall gives first reaction to Hull KR colleague’s exit

Shaun Kenny-Dowall was stunned like many others by Brett Delaney’s Hull KR exit – but is ready to step up to the challenge ahead.

Delaney’s exit as Hull KR assistant coach means that transition development coach Kenny-Dowall and assistant coach Danny Ward are to take more responsibility within the club’s set-up. Delaney is understood to be in line for a role at Castleford Tigers as they look to implement a refreshed coaching set up after the surprise sacking of Craig Lingard as head coach.

On Delaney’s departure – which is understood to have been catalysed by the situation at Castleford – Kenny-Dowall said: “I was a little bit shocked. It’s going to be sad to see him go. He’s been such an integral part of what we’ve done over the last couple of years. He’s worked really hard on our defence. We will miss him but we wish him all the best.

He had a presence, he was tough; the way that he played was the way that he coached. The boys really respected him. He managed to get the best out of the boys. We have had great morale as a coaching team and everyone has worked together as a unit.

“Everyone has got their own reasons for decisions. It’s part of business and life that people move on.

Discussing the imminent evolution in his role, Kenny-Dowall said: “I can’t wait to find my feet in a new role, it’s exciting times for me and I’m grateful to Willie and the coaching staff. I’ll back my ability and I’m really looking forward to stepping up to the challenge ahead.”