The former Kiwis rugby league international Shaun Kenny-Dowall has escaped conviction despite pleading guilty to drug possession after appearing in court in Sydney.
Kenny-Dowall, who sacked by his NRL club the Sydney Roosters earlier this month, was caught with half a gram of cocaine at a Sydney nightclub in May.
Shaun Kenny-Dowall playing for the Sydney Roosters against the Warriors earlier this year. Photo: Photosport
He was put on a 12-month good behaviour bond.
Kenny-Dowall had reportedly been negotiating a contract with Newcastle before his arrest but Knights coach Nathan Brown has refused to comment on Kenny-Dowall's possible future with the club.
"When something like this occurs it heads to people above me," Brown said.
Knights chairman Brian McGuigan said last week he had concerns about signing Kenny-Dowall and wanted to avoid players who might bring scandals to the club.
Kenny-Dowall played 224 games with the Roosters, playing in the club's grand final losses in 2010 and 2013.
