NRL 2024: Michael Jennings takes first step back to the NRL via the NSW Cup
After playing his first game since ending his three-year doping ban, a 35-year-old Michael Jennings has declared an ambition to return to the NRL with the Sydney Roosters.
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Michael Jennings has broken his silence on his doping ban, maintaining his innocence while declaring his ambition to return to the NRL at the Sydney Roosters.
Jennings on Saturday played his first rugby league game in 1253 days when he ran out for the Roosters in their NSW Cup loss to Penrith.
Playing for Parramatta at the time, the former NSW and Kangaroos star was sensationally stood down hours before a semi-final after testing positive to performance-enhancing drugs.
He was subsequently banned for three years.
“I still stand by my innocence,” Jennings said at St Marys Stadium, home of his junior club. “Going through all of that was a very tough time.
“I’m still trying to get through it all right now.
“I didn’t think I’d be coming back and giving it one last crack, but it’s good to be back.
“This is my home club. My son’s just there... It was very hard during those three years. I’ve still got a couple more steps to try and get to where I need to be.
“But it’s just good to get a full 80 minutes.”
Now Jennings is aiming for a comeback to the NRL.
At 35 years of age, he’ll take over from Roosters teammate Jared Waerea-Hargreaves as the oldest player in the league should he convert his train-and-trial deal into an NRL contract.
Under the collective bargaining agreement, a train-and-trial deal pays $1200 a week, while he also signed a zero-dollar contract to play in reserve grade.
It’s understood he has signed a conditional registration with the NRL.
Like Waerea-Hargreaves, Jennings is currently stuck on 298 games.
“Jazz is on the same thing and we keep talking about it,” Jennings said.
“Jazza keeps giving it to me that I’m actually the eldest player in the NRL at the moment, if I go. I haven’t signed NRL yet. I’m not the eldest, Jazza is still the eldest.
“It’s not about the money. Right now it’s not about money. I’m basically playing for nothing. I’m just playing to make my kids proud, not giving up.”
However Jennings could be facing another hurdle in his return.
Last year he lost an appeal after being ordered to pay his ex-wife nearly $500,000 for alleged abuse during their marriage.
“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,” he said.
Jennings revealed it was a chance meeting with Roosters coach Trent Robinson at the wedding of teammate Daniel Tupou in October 2021 that kickstarted his thoughts of a return.
“That period was a tough time. Robbo wanted me to come back and help out around the club. I think at the time I wasn’t in a great mindset to try and make any comeback,” he said.
But it wasn’t until last year’s 10-year anniversary of the club’s 2013 premiership, of which Jennings played and Robinson was coach, where the journey back became real.
“He said there’s an opportunity here at the Roosters if I wanted to take it... I called him the next day and just went from there,” he said.
XERRI VOWS TO COMPLETE REDEMPTION, EARN NRL RECALL
Bronson Xerri has vowed to complete his comeback to the NRL despite being overlooked for a spot in first grade for Canterbury’s season-opener against Parramatta.
Four years after being banned from the game, Xerri will make a low-key return in the Bulldogs’ NSW Cup clash which will be a curtain-raiser to the top grade on Saturday.
“I’m not coming back to stay in the NSW Cup,” Xerri told this masthead.
“I’m coming back to be a regular first grader, I’m coming back to achieve all the goals I wanted to achieve when I was playing in 2019.
“Accepting mediocrity isn’t an option, I’ve been out for a while but I believe in myself and I’m going to keep pushing for that spot.”
Xerri has also vowed to silence his doubters and take care of the unfinished business he left before his doping scandal four years ago.
At 23 years of age, he even harbours plans on achieving state and international honours, including NSW, Australia and possibly even Malta later this year.
“All pre-season I did everything I could and now I’m going to put my best foot forward no matter what team I’m in,” he said.
“I know I can be way better than I was when I left the game,” he said.
“I just need the opportunity to show not only my coach, but the fans and I’m looking forward to it.”
While it’s no secret Xerri’s mistake led to problems off the field, the former Sharks rookie of the year credits his return to renowned sprint coach Roger Fabri for creating a “different beast” from the one fans remember.
“He’s the GOAT and that’s why he’s coming back in better form than anyone ever expected,” Fabri said.
“Four years out of the game, no guidance, on his own, it’s a f**king decent achievement when all is said and done.”
Originally published as NRL 2024: Michael Jennings takes first step back to the NRL via the NSW Cup
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