Michael Jennings is giving an NRL return “one last crack” and has taken a step closer to that goal after returning to the field via the Roosters in New South Wales Cup over the weekend.
Jennings lasted the full 80 minutes in what was his first game in 1253 days after serving a three-year doping ban.
The 35-year-old faced further off-field issues too when he was ordered to pay his ex-wife close to $500,000 in damages after a civil dispute.
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 >
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald following the Roosters’ 28-22 loss to the Panthers on Saturday, Jennings admitted he never expected to be pushing for an NRL return.
“I didn’t think I’d be coming back and giving it one last crack,” he said.
“It was very hard during those three years — it was very, very, very hard, and a very tough three years — I can tell you that.
“I definitely want to play NRL. But there are a few more steps I need to take with the NRL to get back to that.”
Jennings has 298 NRL games to his name with 71 of those with the Roosters, including the 2013 Grand Final win.
His return to professional rugby league first came up in conversation with Roosters coach Trent Robinson at Daniel Tupou’s wedding in 2021 and again at the club’s 10-year reunion for that premiership.
“Robbo wanted me to come back and help out around the club.
“Then I caught up with him again at our 10-year anniversary. He asked me what my plans were, and I said, ‘To be honest, I don’t know what’s going on’.
“He said there was an opportunity here at the Roosters if I wanted to take it. And I did.”
Hasler flat after debut loss | 02:52
Jennings joined the Roosters on a $1200-week train-and-trial contract in November.
He said his goal to return to the NRL is “not about the money” and added: “I’m basically playing for nothing. I’m just playing to make my kids proud, not giving up.”
When asked by the Herald about criticism from fans: “I think everyone that knows me, I still stand by my innocence (in relation to the doping ban) … only myself and people around me really know the truth about everything.”
MORE NRL NEWS
‘QUITE HAPPY’: Flanno’s sledge for critics after Dragons open season with a bang
WHAT WE LEARNED: Dragons are BACK as hat-trick hero carves up Des’ Titans
WHAT WE LEARNED: Dogs’ fear compounds rough night; Eels finally solve issue
‘SUMMED UP THE NIGHT’: Cleary-Bellamy at odds over match-defining Bunker call
COWBOYS ‘CONFIDENT’ IN KEEPING IN-DEMAND DUO
The Cowboys are edging closer to re-signing gun second-rowers Heilum Luki and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.
Luki has an option in his favour for 2025, while as it stands Finefeuiaki has no deal for next season — but has attracted the interest of many rivals clubs.
The Cowboys, however, are keen to retain both and when asked about the extensions CEO Jeff Reibel told AAP “we are confident.”
“We are still talking to the management of Heilum and Kulikefu. They are both fine young men and both good on and off the field with what they do,” he added.
“They have bought firmly into our system in North Queensland and want to be part of that.
“We will continue talking to their management and make sure we get the best outcome.”
It’ll be a huge coup for the Cowboys given the trajectory the pair are on. 22-year-old Luki is on the Dragons’ radar and is regarded a future Origin player, while 20-year-old Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has also attracted interest after his debut season.
#Michael #Jennings #NRL #return #Sydney #Roosters #NSW #Cup #contract #Heilum #Luki #Kulikefu #Feuiaki #extension #Cowboys
