Michael Jennings keen to join Parramatta, Roosters eyeing Dale Copley

MICHAEL Jennings has expressed a desire to join Parramatta while Broncos centre Dale Copley is expected to confirm his move to the Roosters.

Roosters Michael Jennings during warm up for the NRL game between the Newcastle Knights and the Sydney Roosters at Hunter Stadium .Picture Gregg Porteous

Parramatta officials have met with star Sydney Roosters centre Michael Jennings, who has expressed a desire to join the Eels if he can receive a release from the Roosters.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Jennings is keen to depart Bondi, but any deal at the Eels is dependent on the Roosters signing unwanted Brisbane centre Dale Copley.

Copley is expected to announce a deal with the Tricolours as early as Thursday, which would open the door for Jennings to link with the blue and gold.

The Broncos are prepared to pay approximately $100,000 of Copley’s new contract, meaning the Roosters will have to shelf out around $250,000 to secure the centre.

If Copley does sign with the Roosters, it could prompt Jennings to leave.

It’s understood the NSW Origin and Test representative has struggled with the travel to training at Moore Park in the city from his Bella Vista home in Sydney’s west.

In order to fit Jennings under their salary cap, Parramatta will officially release forward Pauli Pauli to Newcastle in the coming days.

Jennings’ desire to link with the Eels may face a challenge depending on whether the Roosters are prepared to part ways with the 27-year-old.

This is particularly the case with fellow centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall facing an uncertain future at the club due to domestic violence charges.

Kenny-Dowall is expected back in court next month, and depending on the outcome, could face a club and NRL ban.

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Jennings is understood to be keen to move to Parramatta.

Until then, the Roosters will stand by the Kiwi Test centre, who has impressed upon return to training last week after completing an intense program over the summer break.

If Kenny-Dowall is proven not guilty of charges, it could force a three-way juggling act in the Roosters’ backline with Jennings and Copley on the club’s books.

Chief executive Brian Canavan was adamant Jennings wasn’t leaving when contacted last week.

“Michael is on contract until the end of 2016, and all of our preparation has him playing in the centres with possible (centre) partner Shaun Kenny-Dowall,” Canavan said.