Sydney Roosters remain in a strong position to snare NSW Origin centre Michael Jennings despite 11th-hour interest from NRL rivals 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’s 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 hold a key to where he’ll 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, who suffered from salary cap pressures last season, now appear 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’d be a more than welcome acquisition.
The Titans have fresh memories how the Penrith centre, sensationally dropped by Panthers coach Ivan Cleary midway through last year, returned from injury in round 25 to inspire a 36-22 victory at Centrebet 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 wasn’t 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.
Nate
Guest
We aren't a 1 player team and elliot sucked , cleary is doing fine and jennings only played good when he wanted too and don't bring phil Gould into it , Jennings is a good player but he never puts 100% for the team so I believe it's fair enough too get rid of him
Toby c
Guest
Since phil Gould and Ivan cleary arrived at the panthers nothing good has happened. They finished second last in 2012 and lost Luke Lewis possibly Jennings Gordon and more. Gould has bought nothing but unwanted headlines to the club since he arrived there in an office role. Clearys been alright but has done more bad then good. They will do alright in 2013 but no finals for them until they sack Gould and cleary and bring back Matty Elliot. The panthers last premiership was like 8 years ago. Remember in 2010 a few yrs ago when at the end of the regular season the panthers were second. God Elliot coached them. Now gus Gould is trying to get rid of Jennings. Without mick the panthers aka pussycats are screwed. Yeah sure last yr Jennings created unwanted headlines at the club but 95% was about a feud with phill Gould. Without Gould panthers make finals and win some games. Without Jennings they come last. Phil Gould stops any good players from coming to the club. Who gives a shit bout him or cleary. Cleary better of at warriors Gould coaching nsw to a bloody win. Thanks to Gould the panthers are gunna come last in 2013. Gould at the roosters now that was good.
Willo
Guest
I heard that Jennings was at Roosters HQ earlier this week. Expect his signing to be announced any day now....
Robert
Guest
If this signing takes place,a few eyebrows should be raised.Its one thing to have Origin players on your books that the club solely produced ala Manly and Brisbane,but completely different if your club continually purchases them.So much for a club that had financial issues -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Robert
Guest
If this signing takes place,a few eyebrows should be raised.Its one thing to have a heap of Origin players on your books that the club solely produced ala Manly and Brisbane,but completely different if your club continually purchases them.So much for a club that had financial issues -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].