Shaun Kenny-Dowall 'buzzing' as Hull KR man speaks of pride at All Stars captaincy call

Hull KR star Shaun Kenny-Dowall will captain the Combined Nations All Stars in next Saturday’s international against England at Warrington (KO 5.45pm).

Head Coach Ellery Hanley has chosen the popular Hull Kingston Rovers captain to spearhead the All Stars' attempt to emulate last year’s 26-24 victory over Shaun Wane’s side at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

“I’m buzzing,” said Kenny-Dowall, who has represented New Zealand on 21 occasions. “It’s going to be a massive honour and privilege to go in there this week and represent my club and the boys. I’m looking forward to getting into camp, meeting all the boys and having a great week.

“I’m very grateful and blessed for Ellery giving me the opportunity to come into camp and lead the boys out. I’m just over the moon to be a part of this and test myself against great players.”

The All Stars fixture revives a Rugby League tradition which stretches back to the Other Nationalities team of the early 20th century, with the team made up of players from across the Rugby League world who are currently playing in the northern hemisphere.

Six Tongans were named in the initial 29-man squad back in April, and this year the side will be wearing Tonga-inspired jerseys to help aid the relief fund, following the devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami that struck the country in January. The rest of Ellery Hanley’s Combined Nations All Stars squad will be announced at 12pm on Monday June 12. England’s squad will be announced an hour later at 1pm.

Full details of the special Tongan-themed jerseys which will be worn by both the All Stars and England teams, raising money for the relief fund, can be found here.

England versus the Combined Nations All Stars is part of an international double-header