One of the more surprising names to bob up when Round 3 team lists were released on Tuesday was veteran centre Michael Jennings.
Jennings was named 18th man by the Roosters, with the 35-year-old on the doorstep of returning from a three-and-a-half year absence from NRL action.
After testing positive to two prohibited substances while playing for Parramatta, Jennings was handed a three-year ban in October 2020.
The only place to watch every game of every round LIVE with no ad-breaks during play is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
While significant, it wouldn’t be close to the most serious off field incident Jennings was involved in.
In 2021, Jennings’ ex-wife Kirra Wilden sued the former NSW Origin star, alleging that she was sexually assaulted and verbally abused while making additional accusations that Jennings would drink, gamble and use drugs excessively.
Wilden won, and Jennings was ordered to pay nearly $500,000 to his ex-wife, despite denying the allegations.
Many would have thought when Jennings’ drug ban began, that the 298-gamer (who was 32 at the time) had played his last match in the NRL.
However, soon after Jennings served his NRL-issued suspension, he signed a train and trial deal with the Roosters in November last year.
Jennings played for the Roosters from 2013-2015, appearing in 71 games for the club and winning his only premiership.
While the Roosters are stacked in the outside backs, the fact coach Trent Robinson has named Jennings 18th man for this weekend’s grudge match against Souths, is a sign the veteran is knocking the door down.
‘That’s inside info’ – JD gets cagey | 03:57
MORE NRL NEWS
‘SHOCKED ME’: Inside battle set to decide GF rematch and why there’s a clear No.1
‘HAS TO STEP UP’: Forgotten star in Souths brutal start as alarming play exposes issue
‘GREAT FIT’: Pangai Jr lifts lid on Broncos return as Bennett phone call revealed
Jennings was very good for the Roosters in the NSW Cup last week, running for 126 metres and setting up a try.
Robinson addressed media ahead of the clash against the Rabbitohs and was asked about Jennings’ selection and what he had seen from the veteran since linking up with the Roosters for a second time.
“(He has) a desire to rewrite his story. That’s pretty simple for me,” Robinson said.
“There was a carrot there to get his life and career back on track and that was himself but also through the Roosters.
“I didn’t feel like he was done, he didn’t feel like he was done but he had to work for it and that’s come through high quality training and strong performances in reserve grade.
“He’s been a Rooster. He’s done some things on the field for us that we need to thank him for so yeah, I think it’s time for him to finish and rewrite his career in the right way.”
A reporter put to Robinson if Jennings is ready for the NRL after such a long absence, with the Roosters coach adamant he was.
“Definitely. That’s what he’s here for,” Robinson said.
“We know we got that (depth in the centres) but we think there will be players missing throughout the season at different times.
“The man can play. He can play footy still … We want to get him to 300 games.”
Discussion about this post