NRL: Shaun Kenny-Dowall opens up on domestic violence charges

Shaun Kenny-Dowall is set to be named for the Sydney Roosters' NRL opener against South Sydney, a day after being cleared of domestic violence charges. Photo / Getty Images.

Kiwi league back Shaun Kenny-Dowall has described his day in court as "life changing".

The Roosters back was acquitted late last month on all charges of domestic violence against his former partner Jessica Peris. He had 11 charges of domestic violence dismissed - they included allegations of assault, threats and destruction of property.

The 28-year-old has told the Sydney Morning Herald that he feared his career could be over during the eight-month saga. "That added to the heartache and the pressure at that time," said Kenny-Dowall.

"But I tried to remain as optimistic as I could and try and prepare as if I was going to play and train every day and try not to think about it too much.

"You don't know how good you've got it until it's that close to being taken away from you. I've definitely come out a stronger person from having gone through that."

"It was hard but I just had to bite my tongue and keep my head down. I definitely felt the support from the club. They never doubted me and gave me the opportunity to have a good pre-season...I was thankful the NRL and the club stood by me through that tough time.

"It was pretty life-changing to be honest. I'm just thankful I still have an opportunity to play the game that I love."

But Kenny-Dowall admits he is not proud of text messages he sent Peris - the magistrate described them as "rude, base, vulgar".

"They probably weren't the nicest text messages you've seen. But I take ownership of that and hopefully I won't be in that position again," Kenny-Dowall said.