Michael Jennings set to re-sign with Parramatta Eels on reduced deal
Former NSW centre Michael Jennings is expected to re-sign in a matter of hours, but the Eels face a huge challenge to retain the rest of their roster.
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Former NSW centre Michael Jennings is expected to sign a new two-year deal with Parramatta as early as Monday.
The Daily Telegraph understands Jennings will agree to a one-year contract with an option for 2021.
While the contract hasn’t been formally ratified yet, sources close to Parramatta suggest the Eels may complete formalities this morning.
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Jennings, 31, arrived at Parramatta in 2016 after stints with Sydney Roosters — where he helped win the 2013 premiership — and Penrith.
His current contract at Parramatta — worth around $800,000 a season — expired this year. He is expected to take a pay cut to remain.
The Jennings-Eels deal could have settled earlier but the centre represented Tonga after the season and then enjoyed a holiday. He is due back on Monday.
Having played 278 NRL games, Jennings will need one more year, maybe two, to crash through the elite 300-game barrier.
There had been interest in Jennings from the English Super League but he wanted to remain in Sydney to be close to family and friends. There were also suggestions Gold Coast had an interest in Jennings earlier this year.
Jennings experienced a modest 2018 season and was on the verge of being told to look elsewhere by club officials.
But a stellar 2019 reinvigorated Jennings with the ex-Kangaroos centre now ready to remain at Bankwest Stadium for another two seasons.
While Jennings will be a key figure in Parramatta premiership charge next season, he will also act as a mentor to rising Eels centre Ethan Parry, aged just 20.
Parry has played just two NRL games. Parramatta also has centre Waqa Blake locked down long-term after his mid-season arrival from Penrith.
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Earlier this year, Jennings indicated a strong desire to remain at Parramatta.
He told The Daily Telegraph: “I want to keep playing, for sure. I definitely want to stay here at Parramatta and keep going. I want to play more footy.
“I’m just grateful that I’m still playing league — rugby league has given me a lot in my life. I’m grateful to be here and playing footy.
“My body is still in good nick. I’m still quick and, touch wood, haven’t had many serious injuries. I’m still fit — I’ve got a couple more years in me.”
Another Parramatta player off-contract now is centre and fullback Josh Hoffman, although it appears unlikely he will be retained.
Parramatta face a challenge after next season with a host of star players ending current deals, including Dyan Brown, Nathan Brown, Shaun Lane, Reed Mahoney and Brad Takairangi. Parry is also off contract after the 2020 season.
The Eels have been discussing a long-term contract, spanning four or five years, for Dylan Brown.
Originally published as Michael Jennings set to re-sign with Parramatta Eels on reduced deal
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