Michael Jennings doesn’t deserve Origin ban as he plans to fight charges of offensive behaviour

IT would be an overreaction to sack Michael Jennings from Origin III. Instead he should be fined $10,000 by the Roosters and stood down from Monday’s game.

Daily Telegraph Sport Columnist Phil Rothfield

IT would be an overreaction to sack Michael Jennings from the Origin III decider in Brisbane.

Instead he should be fined $10,000 by the Roosters and stood down from Monday night’s match against St George Illawarra as punishment.

I know under almost identical circumstances last year his Roosters teammate Mitchell Pearce lost his place in the NSW side.

Jennings has indicated he will fight the charges of offensive behaviour and hindering police.

That’s why he deserves his day in court after the Origin decider.

OFFENSIVE: Origin hero Jennings arrested

The $10,000 fine and a one-game suspension is warranted for the fact he was out on the town at 2.30am on the weekend of a game and that he allowed himself to find trouble.

He has let down his club, his coach and his teammates.

Still, the alleged behaviour is totally out of character from the exemplary way he has behaved since joining the Roosters.

As CEO Brian Canavan said, “He’s been squeaky clean with us — that’s why this is so surprising. From a club point of view we’re really disappointed he was out at that time of night.”

Laurie Daley has said no decision will be made until he knows all the facts.

Those facts will be produced in court. Until then, he should keep his Blues jersey.

Originally published as Michael Jennings doesn’t deserve Origin ban as he plans to fight charges of offensive behaviour