NRL: Roosters facing off-field distractions

The Sydney Roosters are facing several off-field distractions as their NRL season gets into the stretch run. Photo / Getty

The Sydney Roosters are bracing for off-field distractions to drag on into the finals as international centres Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Michael Jennings go through court cases.

The charges against Jennings of hindering police and offensive behaviour received a brief mention in Parramatta Local Court on Monday and don't return to court again until September 14, the second week of the NRL finals series.

Kenny-Dowall is set to front Waverley Local Court on Thursday on a range of charges including assault and stalking, stemming from allegations made by his former partner Jessica Peris.

The Roosters are flying high two months out from the finals, sitting in third spot on the NRL ladder after Sunday's 24-0 defeat of the Warriors.

But the off-field distractions have the potential to destabilise their premiership campaign.

To add to the Tricolours troubles, up-and-coming prop Willis Meehan was sacked last week in the wake of allegations over his involvement in a robbery earlier this year.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has moved to defend his club in the wake of the recent revelations.

"It's easy for me to say we have a strong club because that's the way I feel," Robinson said.

"We have a strong foundation at our club to support people during difficult times. We feel like we have a strong bond and we know our values."

Jennings has pleaded not guilty to his charges, with Kenny-Dowall expected to do the same.

That could open the way for Kenny-Dowall to return to the Roosters' line-up for their round-20 fixture against Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on Friday night after being stood down from Sunday's win over the Warriors.

"Not playing him was a welfare decision from the club and the NRL," Robinson said.

NRL boss Dave Smith said on Twitter that any player found guilty would be banned from the game for a significant period, but warned against pre-judging Kenny-Dowall.

"The NRL abhors domestic violence & there are serious consequences to anyone who's guilty. Courts determine guilt no one else," Smith said in comments attributed to him on the NRL's official Twitter feed.

"There is no place for violence against women in this sport. If guilty you will be out a long time - very dangerous to prejudge"

-AAP