Roosters’ 300-gamer Jennings won’t receive ‘official recognition’ from NRL due to ‘past conduct’
The NRL have confirmed Roosters veteran Michael Jennings won’t receive “official recognition” for his 300th game on Thursday due to “past conduct”.
The decision comes just a few hours after the NRL was warned it would be “a disgraceful look for all women in rugby league” if chief executive Andrew Abdo presents controversial Jennings with his 300-game ball.
“Due to his past conduct, Michael Jennings will not receive official NRL recognition on his 300th career match,” NRL boss Abdo told foxsports.com.au.
Jennings has made an unlikely return to the NRL this season at age 35 after serving a three-year ban for using performance-enhancing drugs.
But the controversy Jennings currently faces ahead of his 300th NRL game centres around a civil court case involving his ex-wife.
In December 2021, a judge ordered Jennings to pay his former partner, Kirra Wilden, over $490,000 in damages for personal injuries.
Wilden alleged in court that Jennings had sexually abused her during their relationship and that he would heavily drink and gamble, and use cocaine regularly.
Jennings denied the allegations, was never charged by police and appealed the ruling, but it was upheld.
The NRL approved the Roosters’ request to re-register Jennings as an NRL player this year and their application reportedly included a desire for him to pay Wilden.
