A defiant Sydney Roosters made a point of making sure Michael Jennings led the team out for his 300th game.
The NRL wanted nothing to do with acknowledging Jennings special milestone because of his “past conduct” – but his club had other ideas before kick-off against Newcastle at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday night.
The Roosters sent Jennings out in front of his teammates as he was joined by his two children.
The Bondi club said they would make sure Jennings’ milestone was celebrated properly behind closed doors.
But the sight of Jennings at the front of the pack would likely upset plenty of fans still surprised he had been allowed back into the NRL.
“[We’re] really proud he could lead his kids out there, and I think he’s the first Tongan to play 300 games,” coach Trent Robinson said after the game.
Michael Jennings leads the Roosters on to McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday night.Credit: Getty Images
Skipper Luke Keary added: “The way we’ve seen him come back and fight really hard for a place in the squad, he’s been such a good influence on the squad.
“We talked about him yesterday [how] it’s not just his comeback – he played 298 games and was the best centre in the world for a period – and he’s represented his people out west [in Sydney] and from Tonga. We’re super proud of him. To see his kids tonight, and his family yesterday, it was special.”
Jennings received a three-year ban after testing positive to prohibited substances LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and Ibutamoren.
In a separate matter, he was ordered to pay his ex-wife, Kirra Wilden, nearly $500,000 in damages for personal injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder, following a civil case in the NSW District Court in December 2021.
Michael Jennings in front of a banner celebrating his 300th NRL game at McDonald Jones Stadium.Credit: Getty
Wilden alleged in court that Jennings had verbally and sexually abused her during their relationship, that he would also drink and gamble heavily, and used cocaine regularly. Jennings denied the allegations.
The Roosters and particularly Robinson have come under fire, with Robinson refuting any suggestions his club “doesn’t take the safety of women seriously”.
Wilden herself told this masthead last weekend: “I think it’s disgraceful that they have allowed this to happen. It’s upsetting as I feel the NRL doesn’t take the safety of women seriously.”
The Roosters had been hit by injuries and concussions, which paved the way for Jennings to play his 299th game last weekend, then his 300th in the Hunter.
The Roosters team in front of the banner celebrating Jennings’ 300th game.Credit: Getty
Robinson said during the week that Jennings deserved to be celebrated, albeit a little differently.
“He’s come a long way, ‘Jenko’ ... people can have their opinion, but I feel really proud about what we’re doing as a club to get a player that’s bled in our jersey to get back on his feet, working in the area that he’s passionate about and he’s good at, and to get his life and his family life back in order,” he said.
“There’s been no criminal charges. So the differentiation between what happens in civil and financial payment and what happens in criminal is really different. And it’s been hard for people to understand the difference. They’ve been crossing over, but what judgment can we make when it’s not being criminal and gone down the traditional line there.
“And so therefore, it’s not disrespectful to women because there has been no judgment when it’s come to criminal case in that way.”
Jennings avoided being booed by the Newcastle locals. Proud Tongan and former Rooster Frank-Paul Nuuasaula was in the sheds to help with the Jennings’ formalities.
While a convoy of cars gathered in western Sydney to celebrate Jennings special game, including members of the Tongan community.
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