Kennedy & RLPA, King injury

The Rugby League Players Association says all players are eligible for its end of season awards regardless of their membership status.

News Limited newspapers reported today that retired Manly captain Ben Kennedy had been stripped of the prestigious player-of-the-year award because he had not paid his union fees. But RLPA chief executive Matthew Rodwell says no players have been excluded.

Rodwell admitted there had been some discussions about membership eligibility, but says the RLPA board was intent on assuring the best players were recognised. It had been reported that Kennedy, who retired after last week's semi-final loss to St George Illawarra, did not pay his $1600 union fees and was ineligible for the prize.

On the injury front, Melbourne centre Matt King says he's a definite starter for Saturday's NRL preliminary final against St George Illawarra despite cutting short training due to his knee.

King left training midway through the Storm's session but says it was a precautionary measure. King injured his knee in Melbourne's qualifying final win over Parramatta a fortnight ago.