Titans keen to snare Jennings

Updated January 09, 2013 18:52:56

Sydney Roosters remain in a strong position to snare New South Wales Origin centre Michael Jennings despite 11th-hour interest from Gold Coast sparking a potential bidding war for his services.

The Titans, in need of firepower out wide following the departure of Beau Champion, are desperate to lure Jennings north on a big seven-figure deal.

But it is understood the Penrith star is keen to stay in Sydney.

That means the Roosters may still be able to offer less to keep the 24-year-old, who appeared on the way to Bondi Junction at the start of this week.

Despite Jennings being on the outer with Panthers officials, Penrith still holds a key to where he will play in 2013.

He's currently on a $600,000-per-season contract but the Roosters are reportedly willing to offer less - $2 million over four years.

With Jennings and his management not interested in a pay cut, and the Panthers reluctant to pay any part of his salary elsewhere, the Titans could come up trumps by stretching themselves with a massive deal.

Gold Coast, which suffered from salary cap pressures last season, now appears to have room to move under the cap after releasing foundation playmaker Scott Prince and Champion, who has returned to South Sydney.

Jennings' signature would add a match-winning back to their list of potent Origin forwards containing Nate Myles, Greg Bird, Dave Taylor and Jamal Idris.

Captaincy candidate Myles was tight-lipped on speculation Jennings could be an off-season recruit but admitted he would be a more than welcome acquisition.

The Titans have fresh memories how the Penrith centre, sensationally dropped by coach Ivan Cleary midway through last year, returned from injury in round 25 to inspire a 36-22 victory at Panthers Stadium.

"Any club that Michael is going to be an asset to with his speed and agility," Myles said on Wednesday.

"He hurt us in the second-last round of the year just with his skill so we know what he's capable of first-hand."

At a Gold Coast junior rugby league promotion, Taylor also spoke of the boost Jennings could provide the Titans but was not about to get his hopes up.

Myles is considered among the favourites to replace Prince as skipper

"Don't get me wrong I'd really enjoy the responsibility ... but we're rich for players who can do it," Myles said.

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, bondi-junction-2022, nsw, robina-4226, qld, australia

First posted January 09, 2013 18:52:56

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Tate oblivious to Jennings' Origin punch

Updated June 06, 2012 20:30:48

It was the wild punch that not only changed a game but set the stage for an explosive Origin II in Sydney.

However, the victim of Michael Jennings' game one haymaker - Brent Tate - reckoned he had no idea he had been struck by the New South Wales flyer until team-mates told him after Queensland's 18-10 win.

All New South Wales' early good work in the series opener in Melbourne was undone when Jennings was sin-binned for running in and landing a reckless hook on Tate as a brawl erupted.

It not only turned the match in Queensland's favour but ensured simmering tensions for the re-match in Sydney.

As a result, Queensland forward David Shillington admitted "tempers are sure to boil over" in game two.

However, Shillington revealed Tate was oblivious to Jennings' now infamous shot at the time.

"Someone asked about Jennings' hit after the game and he (Tate) said `did he?'," Shillington said.

"Brent said he didn't even realise he got hit.

"Someone even said (New South Wales half-back) Mitchell Pearce took a swing at me but I didn't even realise - I haven't even seen the replay yet.

"That's just what happens in the arena sometimes. It is so intense."

Shillington did not harbour any ill-feeling toward Jennings, who made it clear he would not be backing down in game two despite the punch earning a one-match ban.

But the towering Queensland forward could not make the same promise for the rest of his team.

"Origin is about protecting your mate and doing it for each other - us against them," he said.

"He (Jennings) just got caught up in all that emotion, saw a stink and ran in to do his part.

"Obviously it wasn't that desirable what he did but he paid the penalty by going to the sin bin and putting his team under pressure.

"But something like that will happen every game because of the intensity of the match - tempers are sure to boil over (in game two)."

Game one man of the match, Queensland's Nate Myles, was also bracing himself for some New South Wales fire and brimstone.

"It's always a fiery one in Origin. I don't expect any different especially at their home ground," he said.

The game one brawl was sparked by an altercation between Maroons prop Matt Scott and Myles' Gold Coast Titans club team-mate - and New South Wales rival - Greg Bird.

Myles secretly hoped history did not repeat in Origin II - for his own sake.

"We get along well. I actually went to dinner with him the other night," Myles said of Bird.

"But truth be told he would probably bash me in a fight. I'm a lover, he's a fighter."

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, melbourne-3000, vic, brisbane-4000, qld, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted June 06, 2012 16:39:17

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Jennings ushered away from media

Updated May 24, 2012 12:57:44

Sin-binned Blues centre Michael Jennings put his hand up post-match and admitted to making a costly mistake by throwing a punch in the Blues' 18-10 game one State of Origin loss, before his media appearance was shut down by team management.

The incident has cost Jennings a one-week suspension after he pleaded guilty to a grade one contrary conduct charge.

While only a few points separated the teams on the scoreboard, there could not have been a greater contrast in the change-rooms post game.

Winners are grinners and Queensland players were all smiles after their victory at Docklands.

The media flocked to the New South Wales change-room to hear from centre Jennings, whose first-half sin-binning proved a game-breaker.

Jennings was late into a brawl and threw a punch resulting in 10 minutes on the sidelines, with Darius Boyd scoring in his absence.

More than an hour and a half after the game, Jennings emerged to face the media.

"I know what I did wrong. All I can do now is just move on from here," he told a throng of journalists only to be interrupted by team management and told he had to go.

It was much the same story for the other players, who were guided through the media mass to their waiting bus.

"I've got nothing to say," snapped lock Greg Bird as he stormed past.

"Just don't say anything," whispered Trent Merrin to fellow rookie Jamie Buhrer.

Todd Carney brushed past while James Tamou spent a few seconds before he too was ushered on his way.

Blues' winger Jarryd Hayne, their best back, eventually took pity and answered a couple of questions from the few journalists who remained.

Queensland half-back Johnathan Thurston said Jennings suffered a brain explosion.

The 24-year-old centre, who is out of favour with his club side Penrith, left New South Wales vulnerable after his sin-binning.

It turned out to be the biggest or worst play on a night of controversy and drama.

"Jenko came in from a long way away with a swinging arm," Thurston said.

"I don't know what you'd call it, a brain explosion.

"Maybe it was the passion in the jersey and trying to stick up for his mate, I don't know."

Gallen had a crack at rookie Origin referee Matt Cecchin, quipping "this is your first Origin, it's different you know".

Queensland winger Darius Boyd dived across the line for the first of his two tries while Jennings was off the field, and his second on the stroke of half-time gave the Maroons a 12-4 lead.

Thurston said Gallen was in the referees' ears all night.

"Any decision that went against (them), Gal was in there complaining," Thurston said.

"He's a competitor and he plays with pride and passion in his jersey."

Asked if he was becoming the ultimate whinger, Thurston grinned and said: "you're trying to get me to say something, aren't you?"

Thurston said New South Wales were all over Queensland in the first 20 minutes and they were fortunate to get a few big decisions go their way.

"They'll get a lot out of their performance tonight," he said.

"They peppered us in the second half and they gave us a hiding in that first 20 minutes.

"I think they'll certainly give it to us in game two in Sydney."

ABC/AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, melbourne-3000, sydney-2000, vic, brisbane-4000, australia

First posted May 24, 2012 06:07:34

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Blues keep faith with Jennings for Origin opener

Updated May 13, 2012 22:32:23

Ricky Stuart has selected Michael Jennings in the New South Wales State of Origin side despite the centre being dropped by Penrith this week.

Manly's Jamie Buhrer and Tony Williams, Cronulla's Todd Carney and North Queensland's James Tamou will make debuts in Origin I in Melbourne on May 23.

Williams is in the 17 despite missing the last seven weeks, a timeframe which will stretch to nine weeks when he runs onto the field for the Blues at Docklands.

The selection of Jennings, who will line up for his fifth Origin game, will raise eyebrows after poor form for the Panthers this season.

Jennings had an unusual Origin preparation turning out for Windsor Wolves in the NSW Cup, where he at least put to bed lingering concerns over his injured shoulder.

"Maybe this is a kick along for Michael Jennings to play the football we all know he can play," Stuart said.

"Let's hope this can kick-start a chance for him to get into playing first grade for Penrith and doing what needs to be done at club level.

"My main concern was that he was physically able to play and today he assured me his shoulder is fit enough to play Origin."

Stuart has not confirmed the starting line-up yet but expects to do so after Penrith's Luke Lewis and Ben Creagh and Trent Merrin of the Dragons play on Monday night.

"Positional-wise I'll name (the side) on Tuesday," Stuart said.

"I just want to wait until tomorrow night to make sure the three players get through the game."

As expected, Cronulla's Carney was selected to start at five-eighth after guiding the Sharks to an upset win over the Storm on Sunday afternoon.

Stuart credits Blues skipper Paul Gallen with helping Carney be in a position to make himself wear the number six shirt for New South Wales.

"Paul Gallen's being terrific for Todd. Right from the start he's shown a lot of support for Todd," Stuart said.

"If I didn't pick Todd Carney you'd be asking why I didn't."

Tigers hooker Robbie Farah won the battle for the number nine jersey ahead of Michael Ennis.

Brett Stewart was preferred to Anthony Minichiello and Josh Dugan in the full-back spot and will make his first Origin appearance in four years.

"They're the type of decisions you want at this level...that's healthy in regard to having that depth," Stuart added.

Eels full-back Jarryd Hayne, who like Jennings has been criticised for his attitude of late, is likely to play on the wing, Stuart said.

"I'm comfortable with what they've produced for me before and that gives me confidence ... they can handle the Origin arena.

"It's up to Jarryd and Michael to show why they have played Origin before."

Tariq Sims was tipped by some as a bolter for the squad but though Stuart feels he will play Origin in the future he said the Blues' back row depth left him little option but to leave him out.

"I don't think he's unlucky. He'll play Origin, he's a young football player with a huge career in front of him," Stuart said.

"I just think in his position he's got to look at what's in front of him and understand these boys have all performed at a senior level.

"Out of the whole squad you would look at the back row and see that is our strongest in depth."

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, nsw

First posted May 13, 2012 17:18:29

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Jennings dumped for bad form: Cleary

Updated May 10, 2012 10:37:37

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says centre Michael Jennings was dumped from first grade because his onfield performance was "not up to scratch".

The former Test and Origin representative will miss the Panthers' home clash against St George Illawarra on Monday night after Cleary dropped him to the NSW Cup.

Despite rumours Jennings was in hot water with the club for drinking on Anzac Day while part of Penrith's rehabilitating group, the Panthers coach confirmed the decision had nothing to do with off-field indiscretions.

"Suffice to say there has been a couple of things he has done over the past couple of weeks that haven't been up to scratch," he said.

"It's got nothing to do with off the field."

Clearly would not elaborate on the specific areas of Jennings' game that needed improvement, but his poor display in defence against the Storm on Saturday night was obvious.

Melbourne, featuring Queensland stars Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk, looked to deliberately exploit Jennings' defence on the left edge with Cleary benching his star before full-time.

Jennings looked to be struggling with a shoulder injury but scans earlier in the week proved his fitness.

"He was pretty disappointed, a bit shocked, the same as probably most guys," Cleary said of Jennings' reaction to being dropped.

"[The details are] between me and Michael... I'm sure he will bounce back."

Jennings' demotion has all but ended his State of Origin chances despite Blues coach Ricky Stuart naming the 24-year-old as one of his certainties for game one just a few weeks ago.

While Cleary said he "cared" about Jennings' representatives hopes, he maintained the call was consistent with trying to improve his struggling Panthers side, which sits second last with just two wins from nine games.

"The selections we make here aren't based on anyone else's team. It is based on ours," he said.

"I demoted Brad Tighe and Dave Simmons the week before and that was just as hard as this decision.

"We are obviously not winning games, we are not performing like we want to.

"What I want to see is Michael playing tough and playing well."

Jennings will play for Windsor Wolves in Auckland against the Vulcans on Saturday afternoon.

In an interesting twist, with the Panthers playing on Monday night, Jennings would not have had a last chance to impress Stuart with the New South Wales team named on Sunday evening.

Regardless, former Newcastle and Blues player Matthew Johns says there is no way a player as out of form as Jennings could be considered for Origin.

"You've got to put a line in the sand. He can't be selected," Johns said on Fox Sports.

"We had a saying at the Newcastle Knights that the base requirement is to prove yourself a player others wanted to play with, and at the moment Jennings is not proving that.

"If you are Ricky Stuart, you have to question do blokes want to play alongside Jennings and [Jarryd] Hayne in the State of Origin side."

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, state-of-origin, sport, penrith-2750, nsw, australia

First posted May 10, 2012 10:34:52

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Panthers axe Jennings to NSW Cup

Updated May 08, 2012 19:47:05

Just weeks after being declared an Origin I certainty by Blues coach Ricky Stuart, Penrith centre Michael Jennings has been banished to the NSW Cup.

After training strongly on Tuesday to dismiss any lingering concerns over a shoulder injury, Jennings was dumped by Panthers coach Ivan Cleary - who had clearly had enough after five straight losses.

"He trained really well this morning. There's definitely no injury concerns," a Panthers official said on Tuesday.

Jennings was taken off early in the second half of Saturday night's heavy loss to Melbourne - Storm coach Craig Bellamy making no secret of the fact he had directed plenty of traffic at the susceptible centre.

He was also the centre of an alleged dressing down from the club following reports he broke team rules by drinking while part of the team's rehabilitation group on Anzac Day.

Jennings will now travel to Auckland to play for Windsor against the Vulcans on Saturday afternoon - just over 24 hours before Stuart is due to name his side for the Origin opener on May 23.

It seems unlikely Stuart will drag a player out of park football to face the all-conquering Queensland outfit, leaving the Blues to search for yet another centre pairing.

Brad Tighe will take Jennings' place in the centres for Monday's home game against St George Illawarra, while half-back Travis Burns has been cleared to play despite rolling his ankle at training on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Chris Sandow was reinstated to the Parramatta number seven jumper with fellow recruit Ben Roberts the latest fall guy for the Eels' disastrous campaign.

Roberts will also play in the NSW Cup on the weekend, with Casey McGuire to partner Sandow in the halves against Canberra on Sunday.

Cheyse Blair comes in for the injured Willie Tonga in the centres, while Matthew Ryan will line up at lock after Reni Maitua accepted a one-week ban for a high tackle.

William Zillman returns for Gold Coast against Canterbury on Friday night, but he will do so at full-back with coach John Cartwright persisting with youngsters Aidan Sezer and Jordan Rankin in the halves.

Alehana Mara replaces Nathan Friend as Warriors hooker against Sydney Roosters on Saturday, the latter ruled out for six weeks after breaking his jaw against Brisbane.

Ben Hunt comes into the Brisbane starting side for Friday night's blockbuster against Manly at Lang Park to replace the injured Peter Wallace, his elevation opening the door for Luke Capewell top make his Broncos debut off the bench.

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, sport, penrith-2750, nsw, australia

First posted May 08, 2012 17:05:04

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Jennings unlikely for Origin 2

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Broadcast: 05/06/2011

Reporter: Barrie Cassidy

In Rugby League the Bulldogs were belted by Manly and Blues star Michael Jennings suffered a serious ankle injury for the Panthers.

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Crocked Jennings puts Blues in disarray

Updated June 5, 2011 11:52:00

NSW coach Ricky Stuart's preparations for State of Origin II were thrown into chaos on Saturday night with Michael Jennings injuring an ankle in Penrith's easy win over Gold Coast.

Jennings will have scans on the injury before Sunday's announcement of the NSW side for the June 15 clash at Sydney's Olympic stadium, but it almost seems certain that he will join left edge partner Brett Morris (hamstring) on the sidelines for game two.

Complicating matters is the fact the two most likely to come into the side in place of Jennings - Canterbury duo Jamal Idris and Josh Morris - enjoyed a forgettable night at the office on Saturday night as Lyon helped himself to two tries in Manly's 38-4 win.

Idris, 18th man for the Blues for the series opener, said he is more than willing to switch to his non-preferred left centre position to cover for Jennings.

"I'll play wherever, I'll play wherever they want me," Idris said.

"If they want to play me in the front row, I'll play in the front row.

"Whatever happens, happens. They're the ones that tell me and I just sit back and wait and enjoy myself until then."

Lyon said he was not available for selection, despite missing the deadline earlier this year by which time anyone wishing not to be considered for representative sides had to make a written submission to the NSW Rugby League.

"I think I'm pretty much retired from the rep footy," he said.

"I didn't know that about Jenko (Jennings' injury), he's been playing some good footy.

"I think they've got plenty of strike centres there in Idris and Josh Morris. They could easily fit in so I think they're fine with the centres they've got there."

Morris would also be in contention, though he endured a torrid night up against Lyon, including one defensive gaffe in which he failed to take any runners in Lyon's first try of the night.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, state-of-origin, australia, nsw, manly-2095, penrith-2750, sydney-2000, sydney-south-2000

First posted June 5, 2011 08:41:00

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Interview: Michael Jennings

Published:Saturday, June 4, 2011 7:31 AESTExpires:Friday, September 2, 2011 7:31 AEST

Panthers winger Michael Jennings told Grandstand's Brad Tallon that Bodene Thompson's full body weight rolled on his ankle and he will need scans after Penrith's win over Gold Coast on Saturday night.

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Jennings in game 100 for the Panthers

Published:Saturday, June 4, 2011 8:26 AEST

Michael Jennings of the Panthers is tackled during the round 13 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Penrith Panthers at Skilled Park on June 4, 2011 on the Gold Coast.

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, australia, nsw, penrith-2750, qld, robina-4226

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