NRL signing news: Michael Jennings cleared for Roosters return; Siua Wong signs extension

Michael Jennings still needs to jump through some hoops before he completes a remarkable comeback but the Roosters signing has been given hope of surpassing an incredible NRL mark.

Michael Jennings has been cleared to join the Roosters on a train-and-trial deal.

Michael Jennings still needs to jump through some hoops before he completes a remarkable comeback but he has at least been given hope after he was provisionally registered by the NRL on a train-and-trial contract at the Sydney Roosters for the pre-season.

Three years after playing his last game of rugby league – his 298th in the premiership – and a fortnight after this masthead revealed he was on the verge of a stunning return, the 35-year-old Jennings was granted permission by the integrity unit to begin training with the Roosters.

The green light arrived on the same day that the club confirmed boom back rower Siua Wong had agreed a contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of 2026.

Jennings was a NSW and Australian player before his career went off the rails. He was suspended on the day of the Eels’ elimination final in 2020 after failing a drug test and was then involved in a high-profile court case with his former partner.

Michael Jennings has been cleared to join the Roosters on a train-and-trial deal.

Before then, he scored 154 tries in 298 games for Penrith, the Roosters and Parramatta. He now has a chance crack the 300-game barrier, although he will start the pre-season well down the pecking order and must convince the NRL - and the Roosters - that he deserves to be considered for a premiership return.

“The NRL continues to liaise with the Roosters regarding the conditional registration of the player to a train and trial contract,” an NRL spokesman said.

“The player will be provisionally registered subject to his acceptance of the specific conditions to be imposed on his registration.”

While Jennings is looking to complete a stunning comeback, Wong continued his rise when he agreed to a two-year contract extension.

Wong joined the Roosters as a 14-year-old and became the first player to graduate to the NRL from the club’s academy, making his first grade debut earlier this year and going on to make 10 appearances in the top grade.

Michael Jennings was part of the Sydney Roosters' 2013 premiership reunion celebrations in August, 2023. Picture: YouTube

His retention was seen as a priority and comes hot on the heels of the re-signing of Nat Butcher, Billy Smith and Connor Watson. The Roosters are working hard to also keep Joey Manu., Terrell May and Sitili Tupouniua in the face of interest from rival clubs.

Manu is on the radar of St George Illawarra, May is believed to be a target for the Bulldogs and Tupouniua has interest from across the NRL.

Wong was a priority as well, having won the Harry Phipps Rising Star Award at the Roosters and being named the club’s NSW Cup player of the year.

“I’ve loved the Roosters since the day I joined the club as a young teenager,” Wong said.

Siua Wong has signed an extension that will keep him at the Roosters until at least the end of 2026. Picture: Richard Dobson

“I’ve found a home here and I’m proud to wear the Roosters jersey every chance I get. I’m so lucky to be coached by Trent and to be mentored by the senior players at the club.

“I still have a lot of improvement in me and I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard to keep developing as a player, and also as a person.”

Roosters head coach Trent Robinson acknowledged the strides Wong has taken in his development, especially since becoming a founding participant of the Sydney Roosters Academy.

“I’ve loved watching Siua’s growth in confidence not only as a player, but also within the squad, over the last few years,” said Robinson.

“Whatever he is tasked with, whether it be at training or to do with his studies, he gives his all, and it’s exciting for the Roosters to know that he will continue to be part of the next generation we have progressing through the ranks together.”

Originally published as NRL signing news: Michael Jennings cleared for Roosters return; Siua Wong signs extension