Will Kennedy’s future at the Sharks looks unclear due to a salary cap headache that could see the Dally M leading fullback depart the Shire.
That is according to Code Sports, who are reporting Cronulla have only $300,000 to offer the gun No.1 in 2026, with his current deal expiring at the end of the 2025 season.
The 28-year-old is enjoying the best year of his NRL career, with 27 Dally M points after Round 9, leading the likes of Terrell May (26) and James Tedesco (24).
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Sharks powerbrokers are reportedly yet to come to the table with an offer to extend his deal as they don’t want to insult their fullback.
Kennedy is currently earning $500,000, meaning the $300,000 remaining in their cap would mark a significant pay cut.
The Sharks salary cap squeeze stems from the recruitment of marquee prop Addin Fonua-Blake who is reportedly earning north of $1 million per-season.
Meanwhile, the likes of Braydon Trindall, Briton Nikora, Teig Wilton and Ronaldo Mulitalo have all also been handed fresh contracts with pay increases.
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Kennedy could be set to hit the open market should Cronulla be unable to table a competitive offer, with his value exceeding his current contract.
Both the Perth Bears and PNG franchises will be on the lookout for talent in years to come and Kennedy shapes as a savvy and solid recruitment option to wear the No.1 jersey.
As it stands, reportedly the only way to extend Kennedy long-term is to offer a heavily backended contract.
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