NRL 2021: Eels terminate Michael Jennings’ contract effective immediately

The mutual termination of suspended centre Michael Jennings’ contract at Parramatta could be a major turning point in the club’s bid to retain several off-contract stars.

Parramatta’s hopes of staving off interest in their 10 off-contract players, including Bryce Cartwright, have been boosted by the removal of Michael Jennings from the club’s 2021 and 2022 roster.

In a strategic decision by Eels management, Jennings has agreed to a mutual termination of his contract as he attempts to clear his name over alleged doping infringements.

Jennings is alleged to have used two banned substances in October last year, which led to his immediate provisional suspension and subsequent inability to play or train with the Eels team.

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Jennings was contracted to the Eels on a deal worth around $400,000 a year for seasons 2021 and 2022.

By cutting ties with the former Test centre, who joined the club in 2016, the Eels can use close to $200,000 from his contract to replenish their roster.

Parramatta has terminated Michael Jennings’ NRL contract. AAP/Dan Himbrechts

Taking up a near-minimum wage one-year deal from the Eels this season, Cartwright has quickly developed into a priority signing for Parramatta.

The 26-year-old has provided a major impact in each of his four appearances from the bench, displaying a point of difference for the Eels in attack from the left back row position.

Cartwright leads a list of 10 players the Eels have off-contract in 2021, including Nathan Brown, Blake Ferguson, Samuel Hughes, Joey Lussick, Michael Oldfield, Tom Opacic, Jordan Rankin, Will Smith and Ray Stone.

The Eels could also use the money saved from severing ties with Jennings to extend the contract of Mitchell Moses beyond 2022.

Jennings has vowed to clear his name — a challenge he will now face alone.

In a club statement the Eels confirmed on Tuesday: “The Parramatta Eels and Michael Jennings have today agreed to bring to an end the terms of Mr Jennings’ playing contract.

Michael Jennings’ NRL career is in the balance. Picture. Phil Hillyard

“Mr Jennings is the subject of an ongoing process with Sports Integrity Australia (SIA).

“Mr Jennings has been with the Eels since 2016 and based on its experience with Mr Jennings over the last 5 years, Parramatta does not consider that Mr Jennings would intentionally take performance-enhancing substances.

“However, in recognition that the SIA process will take some time to play out, Parramatta and Mr Jennings have agreed to part ways because Mr Jennings wishes to allow the team to fill his position and have the best 2021 and 2022 seasons possible.

“Parramatta and Mr Jennings respect the integrity of the SIA process and do not propose to comment further at this stage.”

Originally published as NRL 2021: Eels terminate Michael Jennings’ contract effective immediately