Parramatta has officially parted ways with centre Michael Jennings, all but ending the 33-year-old’s NRL career.
The Eels were rocked during last year’s Finals series when Jennings tested positive to performance enhancing drugs, resulting in his immediate suspension.
Jennings has denied taking performance enhancing drugs and remained contracted to the Eels for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. However, he remains stood down while Sports Integrity Australia (SIA) continue their investigation.
As a result, Jennings and the Eels have agreed to part ways.
“Mr Jennings has been with the Eels since 2016 and based on its experience with Mr Jennings over the last five years, Parramatta does not consider that Mr Jennings would intentionally take performance enhancing substances,” the Eels said in a statement.
“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.”
The Eels say they won’t comment further while Jennings himself is also not commenting, preferring to let the SIA process play out.
Jennings returned a positive sample for LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and its metabolite Di-hydroxy-LGD-4033, and also Ibutamoren and its metabolites Desbenzyl Ibutamoren and OH Ibutamoren.
Each of those substances are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the NRL’s Anti-Doping Policy.
If Jennings doesn’t return to the NRL – and at 33 it would be unlikely he would – he’ll finish his illustrious career on 299 first grade games, just one match short of joining the 300 club.
Jennings made his NRL debut for Penrith in 2007, before switching to the Roosters in 2013 and joining Parramatta in 2016.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.