Shaun Kenny-Dowall's father has revealed he feared for his son's safety, following assault charges of his former partner Jessica Peris.
The Kiwi international was due to appear at Sydney's Waverley Local Court last Thursday but he didn't because he was undertaking a mental health assessment.
He was arrested and chargedtwo weeks with 10 domestic violence offences - including six counts of common assault, one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and of stalking/intimidating Peris.
In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Kenny-Dowall's father John revealed Shaun was staying at his house in Bondi, when he jumped over the back fence taking his father's car.
John had immediate fears that the Kiwis centre was heading to The Gap, a spot in Sydney notorious for suicide attempts.
"I had it all planned out," he said. "If I saw his car I was going to get to the edge and get down to him as quick as I could. I wasn't going to let him be alone down there," John told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Following a police search, the league player was found sitting in the car staring blankly into space with a newspaper beside him. Kenny-Dowall was then taken to hospital, according to the Sydney Morning Herald,
Father John told the newspaper he was sure his son has not done anything wrong.
"As a family, and I include Shaun in this front and centre, we firmly believe there is no place for domestic violence ... no place, and women who are victims of it deserve support," John said.
"The way that I brought Shaun up was to admit to your mistakes, but if you have done nothing wrong, you have hold firm in your beliefs," John said. Roosters head coach Trent Robinson has reportedly said that Kenny-Dowall will "definitely" not be considered for tomorrow's NRL game with Canterbury Bulldogs.
The 27-year-old played at centre in the 26-12 Anzac test win over the Kangaroos in Brisbane in May but he didn't play for the Roosters in their 24-0 drubbing of the Warriors a few weekends ago.
Where to get help: • Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7) • Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7) • Youth services: (06) 3555 906 • Youthline: 0800 376 633 • Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (4pm to 6pm weekdays) • Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm) • The Word • Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7) • Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155 • CASPER Suicide Prevention If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
