After months of speculation the Penrith Panthers have reached a deal to release superstar centre Michael Jennings from the final three years of his contract.
Jennings will join the Sydney Roosters on a four year deal and could be training with the tri-colours as early as this week. Penrith Panthers General Manager Rugby League Phil Moss said: “The Panthers thank Michael for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for his future.”
The 24-year-old played 122 games for the Panthers in a career that began in 2007. However his time at the foot of the mountains has seen its fair share of controversies. Last year Jennings was dumped by new coach Ivan Cleary to the Windsor Wolves. Also in 2012 he was reprimanded by Panthers boss Phil Gould for drinking whilst recovering from injury.
Since then speculation has been rife as to whether Jennings would see out his multi-million dollar contract, which was due to expire in 2015, or join a rival club. Over the past week three clubs have shown interest in the current NSW Blues player including the Gold Coast Titans, Cronulla Sharks and Sydney Roosters.
But in the end it was the boys from Bondi who won out securing Jennings until the end of 2016. The Weekender contacted Panthers one hour before this afternoon’s announcement regarding the situation only to be told no new information had come to light in the past week and wouldn’t comment further on the matter.
Jennings will join fellow new Roosters recruits including James Maloney and of course Sonny Bill Williams.
