NRL star Michael Jennings suspended after positive drug test

Michael Jennings has broken his silence after being suspended from the NRL after returning a positive test to banned substances.

Michael Jennings’ suspension has rocked the NRL.

Parramatta star Michael Jennings has been provisionally suspended after allegedly testing positive to banned substances.

It means the gun centre will miss the Eels’ do-or-die semi-final against South Sydney tonight.

The NRL released a statement confirming Jennings had tested positive to Ligandrol — the same substance banned Australian swimmer Shayna Jack is alleged to have ingested.

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“The Provisional Suspension Notice asserts that Mr Jennings returned a positive A-sample for LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and its metabolite Di-hydroxy-LGD-4033, and also Ibutamoren and its metabolites Desbenzyl Ibutamoren and OH Ibutamoren,” the NRL statement said.

“Each of those substances are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the NRL’s Anti-Doping Policy.

“Mr Jennings was tested by Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) on 21 September 2020 with the positive result received by SIA on 9 October 2020.

“Mr Jennings is prohibited from participating in any WADA compliant sport, including rugby league, while the provisional suspension is in place.”

Jennings released a statement before the crunch elimination final with his first comments with the former NSW Origin star vowing to fight on.

“I am totally against any form of cheating in sport and am completely shocked to find myself in this position. I will do everything I can to clear my name,” Jennings said in the statement released by the Eels prior to the match.

“I have dedicated the last 14 years of my life to playing in the NRL. I would never do anything to jeopardise my standards, my reputation, or the legacy I leave, especially for my son.”

“I am completely shattered that I won’t be able to play with my team tonight. We have worked so hard to get where we are.

“I have every faith in the boys and wish them the best.

“This is a really difficult time for me and my family, but I will work with Sports Integrity Australia to progress this case and clear my name.”

The loss of Jennings is a huge blow to the Eels.

Parramatta released a statement in response to the bombshell, reiterating the NRL’s point that Jennings can request to have his B-sample analysed.

“Michael Jennings has been stood down from today’s game and ongoing training/playing responsibilities while the process runs its course, which under the policy includes the opportunity to have his B-sample analysed,” the statement said.

“The Club has been in contact with Michael and will continue to offer him and his family our full wellbeing support.”

Jennings’ suspension is a major blow to the Eels, whose premiership campaign had already been derailed by the losses of barnstorming winger Maika Sivo and fellow flanker Blake Ferguson.

Both of Parramatta’s major metre-eaters have been ruled out with injury and coach Brad Arthur will need to make more changes now the backline has been decimated even further.

NRL reporter Brad Walter said on Twitter Jennings’ ban was a “massive shock and disappointing news”, while AAP’s Scott Bailey wrote: “Hard to believe what has transpired this morning. Michael Jennings is such an important figure at the Eels. His brother George is still left to play tonight, while he’s been a big influence on Waqa Blake in the past week alone. Disasters don’t get much bigger than this.”

Nine’s Danny Weidler added: “The Michael Jennings news is so disappointing.”

Broncos legend Darren Lockyer told Nine’s Today Show the drama will “no doubt” be a distraction for Jennings’ teammates tonight.

The Eels were torn apart on the edges by Melbourne last week, prompting Jennings to turn coach at training, conducting one-on-one video sessions with teammate Waqa Blake about his decision-making in an effort to ensure Parramatta can hold out Souths tonight.

But losing one of the team’s most experienced players just made that task a whole lot tougher.

Jennings has played nearly 300 NRL games after making his first grade debut at Penrith in 2007 before a stint with the Roosters was followed by his move to Parramatta in 2016.

He was a NSW Origin mainstay during the middle of his career, representing the Blues 18 times. The 32-year-old has also won seven caps for the Kangaroos.