By Dan Walsh
Roosters coach Trent Robinson says Michael Jennings has a chance to “rewrite his story” after a three-year exile from the NRL.
As rugby-bound stars Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii targeted a potential Roosters reunion after their high-profile code switches, the chance for Jennings to return to the NRL adds another layer to an already drama-filled showdown between the game’s oldest rivals.
Jennings has been named as 18th man for Friday’s clash against South Sydney after the Roosters upgraded the 35-year-old’s contract and elevated him to the club’s top 30 squad, which sets a minimum salary at $120,000.
The NRL has confirmed the contract’s registration, putting Jennings in line to play his first game in 1266 days after a three-year ban for testing positive to prohibited substances LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and Ibutamoren during Parramatta’s 2020 finals campaign.
A year into his suspension, Jennings was embroiled in a legal battle with his ex-wife Kirra Wilden, who accused the 2013 premiership winner of verbally and sexually abusing her during their relationship. Jennings denied the allegations.
Jennings also lost an appeal against a NSW District Court civil law ruling which ordered him to pay Wilden almost $500,000 in damages last year.
But after returning to the Tricolours on a $1200-a-week train-and-trial deal over the summer, coach Trent Robinson confirmed on Thursday Jennings was in line for an NRL return at some point this season.
Michael Jennings is back at the Roosters after last playing an NRL game in October, 2020.Credit: Rhett Wyman
Should he remain 18th man when the Roosters confirm their squad an hour before kick-off against the Rabbitohs, Jennings could take to the field under the NRL’s concussion substitute rules.
“There’s a desire to rewrite his story,” Robinson said after Jennings impressed at NSW Cup level to start the season, confirming also that Luke Keary is in line to return from his 11-day concussion stand down next Thursday against Penrith.
“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’s had to work for it … We know we’ve got that [depth] but we like to think some of them might be missing at different times as well throughout the year. ”
Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii would both be welcome back at the Roosters.Credit: James Brickwood/SMH
While centre Billy Smith is ahead of Jennings in the Roosters’ pecking order, the club is preparing for life without Suaalii and Manu next season as they embark on multi-million dollar rugby moves.
Manu confirmed he is in negotiations with Japanese rugby outfit Toyota Verblitz, coached by All Blacks World Cup winner Steve Hansen, with the length of any contract still being worked through.
The prospect of Manu returning to the Roosters, potentially as early as 2025, has been suggested, though the Kiwi star is targeting at least a two-year stint in the 15-man code.
Robinson and Roosters boss Nick Politis have both stressed that Manu and Suaalii would be welcome back at the club, with Politis telling Nine News late last year: “It’s sad that we’ve lost [Suaalii] to union, but he tells us he’s coming back in 2028.”
There is plenty of water to pass under the bridge before then, not least the Roosters’ salary cap situation, Mark Nawaqanitawase’s arrival from rugby and interest in rising Waratahs star Max Jorgensen.
But Manu said he would like to reunite with Suaalii at the Roosters in the future.
“It would be cool to play next to him, hopefully down the line, hopefully at the Roosters,” Manu said. “This club’s given me a lot. I’m not too sure how everything will work out but yeah, hopefully.
“Now that I’ve been making this rugby decision I have had little chats with him and seen the way he’s thinking. Just because we’re on the same path there, slightly different too, but we are having chats. Obviously, he’s going back for a while there and I think he’ll be great in rugby.”
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