Michael Jennings in staggering Roosters development amid three-year ban from NRL
The former centre could be set for a return.
Former NRL star Michael Jennings may be set to receive an NRL callout with the Roosters reportedly interested in his experience after he finishes a three-year ban from the game. Jennings has been banned from the NRL since 2020 after failing a doping test.
Jennings last played for the Eels but, despite his age at 35 years old, the centre is keen to finish his time in the sport on a high. And The Daily Telegraph has reported the Roosters would be willing to give Jennings a trail when his doping ban is up.
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The Roosters have plenty of talent in the centres with Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii starting in 2023. However, an injury could see the Roosters seek an experienced player as back-up.
In May 2021, Jennings accepted a three-year ban - backdated to 2020 - for failing a drug test. Jennings' contract was ended with the Eels just before this. However, Roosters coach Trent Robinson coached Jennings for three seasons during his time at the club and is reportedly interested in giving the centre a train and trial deal for 2024.
The deal could see Jennings train with the club for around $1,000 a week, but not play in the NRL until round 11. Jennings won the 2013 premierships with the Roosters following time at the Panthers where he played 122 games.
He finished at the Eels between 2016 and 2020 where he played 105 games. He has scored 154 tries in 298 games. If he were to return, he could join the elite number of players to surpass the 300-game mark in the NRL.
Jennings also played 18 games for the Blues in State of Origin. He has represented Australia seven times and played for Tonga in 12 appearances.
Roosters release players for 2024
Trent Robinson and the Roosters have made a number of changes leading into the 2024 season. Jaxson Paulo has gone to the Manly Sea Eagles and Paul Momirovski has joined the Leeds Rhinos.
While Corey Allan has left the Roosters after the 2023 season, which has left space for backs in the squad. James Tedesco will remain the club captain, despite undergoing a tough year in the representative arena.
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