Despite being dumped by the Sydney Roosters after a cocaine scandal, Shaun Kenny-Dowall has his sights set on being a role model at new NRL club Newcastle.
The disgraced centre joined the youthful Knights on Tuesday on a two-and-a-half year deal after his release from the Roosters this month.
The 29-year-old admitted fearing his NRL career may have been over having last week pleaded guilty to cocaine possession in a Sydney court.
The Newcastle board expressed some concern with signing Kenny-Dowall, but Nathan Brown's side is desperate for the quality and experience the 2013 premiership player can bring.
For the New Zealand international, keeping out of trouble off the field is front of mind, describing his illicit drugs ordeal as a tough ride.
"I realise I'm one of the older players at the club now and my behaviour has to fit that role," Kenny-Dowall told reporters on Wednesday.
"It's not the ideal circumstances to come here. It's something that I'm not proud of.
"But I really want to earn the respect of the club and community and work really hard to repay the faith.
"I've obviously been part of a lot of successful teams and I know what it takes to be successful and I can offer that experience."
Kenny-Dowall wouldn't discuss his cocaine possession incident on Wednesday.
He escaped conviction but was placed on a good behaviour bond after being caught with 0.29g of cocaine at a Sydney nightclub.
Given the circumstances of his departure, he admitted the prospect of watching the Roosters winning this year's NRL premiership from afar was hard to take.
He won't immediately be available for selection due to a hamstring injury, but expected to be back in time for the Knights' round 20 clash against his former side in Sydney.
"I'd love to go back to Allianz Stadium and be ready for that game, for sure," Kenny-Dowall said.
"It'll be pretty weird playing against the old club. I've only ever played for the Roosters, and at the same time I'll be excited to get it out of the way early and get on with it."
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