NRL 2023: Sydney Roosters sign Michael Jennings to train and trial deal | Saint, Sinner, Shoosh

More than three years after being stood down for doping on the day of a Parramatta semi-final match, Michael Jennings has been offered a train-and-trial deal at the Roosters.

The Sydney Roosters have thrown ex-Chook Michael Jennings a surprise rugby league lifeline by offering him a deal.

It has been confirmed that the Roosters have offered the centre a train-and-trial contract, but the deal is yet to be signed off by the NRL’s integrity unit.

Provided the contract is rubber-stamped, Jennings will make his comeback via the club’s NSW Cup side next season.

He will earn just $1200 per week — well short of the $600,000 he once pocketed as one of the game’s highest paid centres.

Train-and-trial players will earn $3000 if they play first grade, however they’re ineligible to be picked until round 11 — unless they win NRL approval.

The 35-year-old’s three-year drug ban ended on September 21, which has paved the way for Jennings to make a potential return to top flight football.

However, the NRL is yet to give the Roosters the green light.

The Roosters have signed ex-NRL player Michael Jennings to a train and trial deal, after a three-year drug ban. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Earlier this year, Jennings lost an appeal after a judge awarded his ex-wife $500,000 for alleged abuse during their marriage.

If he receives the go-ahead, he will resume full-time training with the NRL squad.

Jennings has not played since testing positive just hours before a finals match for the Eels in 2020. He was suspended for using banned substances Ligandrol and Ibutamoren.

It’s understood Roosters coach Trent Robinson has stayed in contact with the ex-NSW and Kangaroos flyer during his time out.

Jennings had contemplated trying to land an overseas deal before a Roosters return was raised.

The NSW Cup side is coached by his old NSW and Aussie teammate Brett Morris.

Jennings had a decorated career and is just two games shy of the magic 300-game milestone. He also played for Tonga.

Jennings joined his 2013 grand final teammates at a 10-year reunion at the SCG in August.

After accepting his ban, Jennings kept the door ajar about a potential comeback.

Jennings’ ban ended on September 21, but the NRL is yet to approve the Roosters deal. Picture: AAP

“One day I would love to return to the great game but for now it’s on pause,” he wrote on Instagram in October, 2021. “I’m focusing on my kids and work until 2023.”

At the time, Jennings said he “had no idea how the prohibited substance entered my system”, but as he faced a potential four-year ban he agreed to accept a reduced suspension “because it was the best option for myself and family’s well being”.

“I maintain that I have never and would never intentionally use performance enhancing substances,” he said.

Bronson Xerri is another on the path back to the NRL from his own drug ban, after signing with Canterbury.

Michael Jennings was part of the 2013 premiership-winning side coached by Trent Robinson in his first year in charge at the Sydney Roosters.

Xerri, though, is just 23 but played the last of his 22 NRL games in 2019 and has signed a top-30 deal with the Bulldogs.

He will start pre-season training at Belmore on November 10.

The Roosters have shown a willingness to offer lifelines.

They followed a similar path with Jennings’ former teammate Dylan Napa.

Napa was offered a reserve grade contract this year before going on to play two NRL matches.

SAINT

Roosters backrower Nat Butcher and referee Grant Atkins (pictured) for their efforts in the classroom. Butcher, an Australian Catholic University elite athlete and performer program student – was awarded an academic excellence award on Wednesday night. With a GPA of 6.14, it’s a matter of time before he graduates with a Bachelor of Commerce. Atkins was also recognised, collecting a University Blue for his efforts with the whistle, and his graduate certificate in high performance sport leadership course.

NRL referee Grant Atkins was recently recognised by the Australian Catholic University for his efforts with the whistle and his Graduate Certificate in High Performance Sports Leadership Course. Credit: Supplied.

SINNER

ACT Police for their handling of the Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton matter. The pair’s reputation was tarnished before the charges were eventually dropped after an officer admitted to giving false evidence.

Charges were dropped against Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton after police admitted to giving false evidence. Picture: NCA NewsWire

SHOOSH

Which starting hooker has fallen out of favour at his club and is free to go immediately?

SHOOSH

Who is the international outside back who could make an immediate switch to the Super League?

SHOOSH

There is a growing amount of discontent across the ditch after Michael Maguire’s decision to coach NSW. There is a push for Kiwi great Stacey Jones to take on the New Zealand job.

Tensions are rising over Michael Maguire’s decision to coach NSW and the Kiwis. Picture: Getty Images

SHOOSH

Which rep player has been told there is not a spot for him at the club when his contract expires at the end of 2024?

SPOTTED

Fox League commentator Andrew Voss coaching his son’s basketball team in Moss Vale.

SPOTTED

Wests Tigers back Adam Doueihi having a coffee at Concord as he makes his way back from a bad knee injury.

SPOTTED

The Parramatta Eels advertising to fill their NRLW head coaching position. The seat has been vacant ever since Dean Widders stepped away at the end of last season.