The 56-year-old is still undergoing testing and is yet to know the full extent of the cancer.

Kenny played 265 first-grade games for the Eels and won four premierships for the Eels in the 1980's due to his strong combination with Peter Sterling.

He played 17 State of Origin games for NSW and 17 Tests for Australia.

His diagnosis is the latest blow for Kenny and his family after stepson Riley Hilditch suffered a spinal injury after he landed headfirst in a creek confining him to a wheelchair.

Kenny played 14 seasons with the Eels after debuting in 1980.

​He is the only player in history to score two tries in three consecutive grand finals.