Roosters quietly award Michael Jennings his 300th-game ring

Roosters veteran Michael Jennings has been secretly awarded his commemorative 300-game ring, despite the public outcry over his history with domestic violence accusations and drugs.

Controversial rugby league player Michael Jennings has been quietly presented with his 300th game commemorative ring.

It follows the controversy surrounding his milestone match in April after the veteran Sydney Roosters player had been accused of sexual assault and drug scandals.

Usually the ring presentation is a bigger event where the NRL would hold an official ceremony to mark the occasion.

Michael Jennings playing in reserve grade for the Roosters in March. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Jennings, 36, received his gold diamond ring marking 300 games in quiet, while Jared Waerea-Hargreaves received his with much more fanfare at the Roosters’ Jack Gibson Awards at the Australian Turf Club on Thursday night.

In April, the NRL acknowledged Jennings’ 300th first-grade game behind closed doors after abandoning plans for official recognition amid a wave of controversy over his return to the game.

“Due to past conduct, Michael Jennings will not receive official NRL recognition on his 300th match,” chief executive Andrew Abdo said at the time.

The Telegraph Sports Editor-at-large Phil “Buzz” Rothfield that month penned an open letter to Abdo, imploring him to consider the message it would send to women in rugby league after a civil court, in 2021, found Jennings sexually assaulted his ex-wife, Kirra Wilden, on four occasions and ordered him to pay her $500,000 in damages.

While he continues to deny the allegations, he lost an appeal to reduce the damages and it is understood he is yet to pay her.

A civil court found that Jennings had sexually assaulted his wife on four occasions. Picture: Getty Images

Jennings reached the 30-game milestone one week after playing his first NRL game after a three-year drug ban.

Stranded on 298 NRL games for the three years as a result of his ban for testing positive to two performance-enhancing drugs, The Telegraph revealed last November that the Roosters had signed Jennings to a $1200-a-week train-and-trial deal, with a view to playing reserve grade.

In March however, he was elevated to their top-30 squad.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson faced backlash at the time.

“He’s come a long way, Jenko. The questioning of it (the celebration), people can have their opinion, but I feel really proud about what we are doing as a club to get a player that’s bled in our jersey to get back on his feet.”

Robinson was adamant that celebrating the milestone was “not disrespectful” given there had been no criminal conviction made against Jennings.

“It’s not disrespectful to women because there has been no judgment when it comes to criminal case in that way.

“At which point does he get allowed to continue with his life and continue working?”

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (left) and Victor Radley congratulate Jennings after he scored a try in the round seven NRL match against Melbourne Storm in April. Picture: Getty Images

White Ribbon Australia, an organisation dedicated to stopping men’s violence against women, supported the NRL’s stance.

“While it’s important that we continue to support men who behave in unacceptable ways to change their behaviour, we must also ensure there are consequences for their actions,” it said.

“NRL players and other high-profile male athletes are role models for our young people and should be held to a higher standard. There is simply no excuse for violence and abuse.

“Celebrating a 300-game milestone by a player who was ordered to pay his former partner damages for personal injuries he is alleged to have caused would have sent a poor message to teammates, the rugby league community, women’s NRL, and the growing number of boys and girls with ambitions to play the game at the highest level.

“Women and girls should have the right to train, play and mix with their male colleagues in an environment that’s inclusive, safe and respectful.”

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Originally published as Roosters quietly award Michael Jennings his 300th-game ring