Roosters players insist controversial NRL star should be celebrated

Sydney Roosters teammates insist Michael Jennings’ 300th game should be celebrated, with Angus Crichton saying any push against the center is hypocritical.

Jennings will play his 300th game against Newcastle on Thursday night, after returning from a three-year suspension for steroid use against Canterbury last week.

After testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug in 2020 while at Parramatta, Jennings maintained his innocence but ultimately accepted the charges in a bid to reduce his ban from four years to three.

While suspended, Jennings was ordered to pay nearly $500,000 in damages to his ex-wife following allegations of sexual and verbal abuse following a civil lawsuit.

Jennings denied the allegations, but a New South Wales District Court judge found he had raped his wife at least four times on the balance of probabilities.

He has not been charged in these matters and it was not necessary for the court’s findings to be beyond a reasonable doubt, as in criminal trials.

The 35-year-old’s return to the NRL was approved by the integrity unit, and his contract was registered on the basis he met several conditions relating to the case.

The NRL is under pressure not to celebrate Jennings’ milestone this week, which traditionally includes chief executive Andrew Abdo presenting the match ball and praising the center’s service in the game.

Roosters players did not speak specifically about the civil matter when asked about Jennings’ 300th on Sunday, but insisted his return should be recognised.

“I think it should definitely be celebrated,” Crichton said.

“I don’t know all the details, but from what I’ve seen, he claims he wasn’t actually using performance-enhancing drugs. I believe him and trust him.

“He’s obviously been a big player in our game for a lot of games.” Why not celebrate?

‘We have other people in rugby league who have had similar allegations and they have been celebrated and placed on honor panels.

‘Michael Jennings has worked very hard to get back to where he is. I think he not only should be celebrated, but I think he deserves it.”

Jennings’ long-time teammate Daniel Tupou also said the NRL’s oldest active player should be recognised.

‘Everyone goes through things. At the end of the day, we are all human,” Tupou said.

‘That’s just my opinion, don’t take it out of context. “But I feel like he deserves (recognition) for what he’s done for the game.”

Jennings will almost certainly be selected for Thursday night given the Roosters’ injury toll following their dramatic loss to Canterbury.

James Tedesco is recovering well from a concussion, but Joey Manu will leave the centers to take the No. 1 jersey.

Winger Dom Young also faces a suspension, while Connor Watson will play the halves in place of Sam Walker, who suffered a concussion.

And despite his time out, Roosters players insist there are still positives in Jennings’ game.

“He still has a lot of speed and quickness,” Crichton said.

“He is difficult to approach and works hard, he is a good defensive center. He gets up and shuts up (rivals).

‘And even more so now, he has that knowledge and that wisdom from having been in the game for so long. It’s very good for our younger children.