Jennings not targeted by doping authorities

Sports Integrity Australia has assured the NRL that Michael Jennings’ drug test was purely random and not based on any intelligence

Parramatta centre Michael Jennings has been stood down indefinitely by the NRL Picture: Getty Images

Sports Integrity Australia has eased some of the NRL’s concerns over the provisional suspension of Parramatta centre Michael Jennings by assuring head office that it was a random sample rather than a targeted test based on information against the club or the game.

Parramatta, whose season came to an abrupt end on Saturday night at the hands of South Sydney, have also taken heart from the fact that their supplements committee was given the tick of approval by the NRL only a matter of a month or two ago.

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Jennings was provisionally suspended on Friday after returning a positive A sample for LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and its metabolite Di-hydroxy-LGD-4033. He also tested positive to Ibutamoren and its metabolites Desbenzyl Ibutamoren and OH Ibutamoren.

His failed drug test was the third high-profile case involving an NRL player in recent times — former Cronulla and Brisbane hooker James Segeyaro, and Cronulla centre Bronson Xerri are yet to have their suspensions finalised.

In some quarters that has given rise to suggestions that rugby league may have a deeper problem on their hands. However, SIA assured NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo that rather than acting on any intelligence, Jennings’ test was purely luck of the draw.

He now faces a fight to continue his career. Jennings has vowed to clear his name and has hired prominent Melbourne lawyer Ben Ihle to argue his case — Ihle helped Essendon players during the supplements scandal a few years back.

The first step in the process will be having Jennings’ B sample tested, although rare is it that it provides a different result to the A sample. Jennings will then be given the chance to front an anti-doping tribunal and argue his case.

Given he is 32 and in the twilight of his career, anything less than a complete exoneration could potentially spell the end of his career. For the time being, he remains on Parramatta’s payroll and will continue to be paid until the anti-doping tribunal decides on the length of any suspension.

Jennings is unlikely to be in a rush to have his case heard given how much he stands to lose — he signed a new contract with the Eels earlier this year which carries him through until the end of 2022.

He will need to mount a compelling case if he is to receive the benefits of that deal given the allegations that have been made against him.

Under section 91 of the NRL’s anti-doping policy, Jennings faces a four-year ban unless he can prove that the violation was not intentional. Sub-section three to that clause suggests the use of the term intentional is meant to catch athletes who cheat, in other words someone who knew they were violating the rules or knew there was a significant risk that they were doing so and manifestly ignored that risk.

“The NRL take a strong stance against players who choose to dope,” the NRL say on their website. “Those who dope because they haven’t got the talent or who are unwilling to do the training only cheat those who do have the natural talent and motivation to train.