Confidence and belief has returned as Hull KR star Shaun Kenny-Dowell sets eyes on Wembley

Rovers have won just twice all year but gained an army of fans with their style and spirit recently when beating Wigan Warriors and only being denied by champions St Helens in Golden Point.

Next, they look to cause a shock in tonight’s Challenge Cup quarter-final against Leeds Rhinos.

Impressed centre Kenny-Dowall, 32, said: “It’s taken a while to develop and build that confidence and belief on the pitch.

“But the boys are really enjoying each other’s company. Tony (Smith) has set a really good foundation and culture where we all believe in each other.

“We go out there every week and work hard for each other and our performances are holding ourselves to a standard that we are all really proud of.

“It’s just great to be part of a team where we are building – as a club and as a side.”

He won the 2013 Grand Final with Roosters alongside Sonny Bill-Williams, Australia captain Boyd Cordner and Anthony Minichella but would love to now triumph at Wembley.

“That’s why I wanted to come over here; it’s huge,” he said.

“It’s the challenge that you set yourself and you do watch the Challenge Cup from afar back home.

“You hear how good the stories are at Wembley and how much the Cup means to the fans and to the club.

“I’m really excited to be a part of this team and we have to make the most of this opportunity now.

“We believe we have a good chance.

“Our form over the last three weeks has been positive but we need to be better.

“We need to close out these games and it’s all about learning from losses and turning them into wins.”

Kenny-Dowall, who won the Four Nations with New Zealand in 2010 and again four years later, has been a great acquisition this term from Newcastle Knights.

His experience and strong carrying will be crucial tonight against Leeds who they lost to 52-10 in February.

Kenny-Dowall added: “That’s a long time ago.

“Leeds love being on the front foot and have some dangerous players but we’re well aware of that.

“We’re a lot better prepared this time around and we’re not even looking at that game.

“I’m really comfortable here; it’s my home now.

“I’m really settled and happy to be playing some good rugby.”

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