That sit down meeting with coach Nathan Brown to decide his playing future in the NRL. And while there is nothing set in stone just yet, the big Knights winger is feeling a whole lot more comfortable about his position at the club.

"Yeah, I've spoken to Browny about it and he's said there is a real possibility of being another contract there for me. That's great to hear," Kenny-Dowall told the Newcastle Herald. "If I can lock that in before this back end of the year, I can move forward with a lot of confidence knowing that I'm wanted and have a deal for next year. Then I can just focus on getting the best out of myself and really performing."

At 31 [he turns 32 in January] and after 273 NRL games, you don't take anything for granted in rugby league. Advancements in sports science may be keeping players in the game longer these days but there are always younger players snapping at your heels.

In Kenny-Dowall's case, his strong form and consistency and the fact he is yet to miss a game this season are powerful selling points.

"I still feel I have a lot to give and I'm nowhere near ready to hang the boots up yet," he said.

"I'm still really keen to push my body to the limit and I'm confident I can get the best out of myself week in, week out. I think I have shown that this year with the consistency of my football and that's what it takes to play in the NRL. I'm confident I can go around again.

"I'm happy to take it a year at a time. I've got to get through another pre-season so ask me in six months time how I'm travelling but I'm still loving playing and loving the challenge each week.

"It doesn't get easier that's for sure. The pre-seasons are getting longer, the intensity is getting higher and the young kids are getting bigger but like I said, I love pushing myself and my body to the limit and I think I still have a lot to give. The big thing for me is just being a really positive influence around the boys and the club."

Pushing the body to the limit is what it's all about for the modern day winger, given the role most play in getting sets rolling. It's a part of the game Kenny-Dowall excels.

"I'm not as fast as I was when I was younger but I'm definitely more consistent and have less errors in my game which is an area I've really worked on,' he said.

"It's a by-product of getting yourself right and being stable off the field and having that perfect package of consistent preparation and training. The physical side of being a winger these days - that's my strength and I really try and invest a lot of energy into getting the sets going and the quick play-the-ball and the momentum going for the team. That's been working for me this year and I think I've been doing a pretty good job there.

"These days, wingers are big and more mobile, athletic and strong and the role is to get the sets going and if that's running into a brickwall most carries, than so be it. You just embrace it and prepare yourself for it."

Kenny-Dowall will no doubt be front and centre on Friday night when his team bids to get back on the front foot with a much-needed win over the Wests Tigers at McDonald Jones Stadium. He admits the side let standards slip alarmingly during the back half of the loss to the Roosters last weekend.

READ MORE:

"We were in that game up to our eye-balls but the Roosters are a good team and we just got out-enthused and out energised. We dropped our guard for whatever reason and they swamped us," he said. "I don't think you ever actually give up. Everyone's professional enough not to throw the towel in but there was a definite drop in standards and we were all guilty of that. The good thing is we can set the record straight this week. We have to take each game on it merits but right now, this one against the Tigers is our most important game of the season. Hopefully, it's the one that kick-starts our momentum into the back end on the way to the play-offs."

As for the Knights' longer term future, Kenny-Dowall wants to play his part in bringing a host of younger guys through the system.

"Players like Starford Toa, Bradman Best and Simi [Sasagi], they are some of the best athletic kids I've ever seen in my time in footy so if they end up taking my place down the track, the club is going to be in good hands," he said. "There is some great talent there."