If the Fairfax Media rumours are true and the Sydney Roosters are looking to move on Michael Jennings to free up room under the cap, then Chooks fans should not despair.
I know that might sound like a controversial statement given how much natural ability Jennings has, but the fact is, he was well below his best for the tricolours in 2015.
After a blistering start in 2013 with the club, scoring 20 tries for the season, one of which included a spectacular put-down to seal a grand final win, Jennings has been slowly losing his mojo at Bondi.
In the three years he has been with the Roosters, Jennings has seen his try tally dwindle from 26 in 2013, to 13 in 2014, to a meagre eight tries last year in 24 appearances. For a man of his try-scoring potential, this downward trend should be sounding alarm bells for coach Trent Robinson.
The one area Jennings has probably never got enough credit for in the past is his defence. Generally overshadowed by his flashy attacking flair, Jennings’ ability to move laterally at lightning speed, coupled with a great natural awareness, meant his scrambling defensive efforts were second to none.
But even this was missing from his game last year, replaced with a haze of lethargy bordering on mentally unsettled.
Jennings is just one of those players who, if he is unhappy, his game is unhappy too. He is your quintessential confidence player who needs to go where he will be happy to play his best footy. I’d suggest the Panthers can attest to that too, albeit through gritted teeth.
So like so many marriages that go passed their peak, both parties here will be much better off if they simply file for a separation ASAP and agree to see other people. Besides, they will always have David Williams.
QConners
Roar Pro
You don't but? You've made one reference to the fact that his try-scoring numbers have decreased and then for the rest of the article you've stated what he's good at. It's a rather weak argument to be honest.
QConners
Roar Pro
I didn't mean "one run" as he only makes one run in the game. I mean by just making one run, he adds so much fear and uncertainty to the defence line.
Tom G
Guest
Must be looking to wind up his career
3 Hats
Guest
Oh Yeah, the TeleCrap is better than the SMH at printing RUBBISH. Just ask, Reynolds, Keary and Inglis, The CRAP coming out of NEWS... limited facts is criminal Print that!
3 Hats
Guest
100% correct Don, just ask Nathan Merritt, Jennings did not pass the ball to Nathan, NOT ONCE! In the First half of that Origin game, if he DOES pass it, Merritt would have scored 2 trys!
The eye
Guest
yeah Jenno,hand back those 14 Blue jerseys and 7 Australian jerseys you lazy,apathetic,skill challenged, layabout..
pjm
Roar Rookie
Jennings is lazy and apathetic, no amount of skill balance that out.
paul
Guest
We can not be a chance to win comp without him
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Just a note on his defence. It was only in recent years he was playing well defensively. earlier in his career he was pretty awful and missed a lot of tackles. I think Robinson was a big help in that regard but it seems to have worn off slightly (though I heard a rumour that he's having a bit of trouble in one of his knees like GI)
brads
Guest
i heard his in talks with Parramatta
Peter Carr
Guest
Jennings suffered last yr because guerra was running wide and we know he can't pass the ball so jennings was being shut out of the play by his own player not given any room for his magical speed.. Get guerra back up the middle you know backing into the opposition and let micheal be given some space (please )
Mike from Tari
Guest
My observation with centres is that once the 2nd rower inside them starts to get more dominant a lot of the play starts going to them & the centres get less of the ball, as well the 2nd rower then reduces the number of times he gives it to the centre as he tends to die with the ball, this not only happens in the NRL but also in the Q Cup.
BlakeW
Guest
He's still at Manly as far as I can tell. This chatter about Jennings leaving is the usual off-season wacko speculation from some members of the Chookpen fan site, in order to see which poster can get their rumour into the paper . The SMH, and others, have done a great job of cut and paste journalism and taken the bait. When does the actual footy start again!?
zim
Guest
Was hoping to see some suggestions for his replacements. Hard to see how they are better off if you can't compare him to a replacement.
Jamieson Murphy
Roar Guru
Imagine how good he could be if he learnt to pass the ball
Samtwocan
Guest
I agree muzz , there appeared to be a different game plan and I think they placed too much emphasis on RTS , Jennings is all quality and to say he won't be missed is a bit silly really , if he doesn't want to be there now that's a different story . Gunna be another successful year at Bondi but just how successful remains to be seen .
Muzz
Guest
Both Jennings and Fergo were starved of good clean early ball last season. Too much pill went to the wonder kid RTS(check his stats/metres/possessions).Both centres were running nice lines for a sweeping Sheck. Jennings must and will stay if Fergo is the new short term fullback. You can't go from a centre pairing of Jennings/Ferguson to Copley/SKD without a riot in Bondi.
Adam Bishop
Roar Pro
I make several references to how much ability Jennings has in the article - I welcome criticism but best to stick to what has actually been written.
Adam Bishop
Roar Pro
He earns a lot of cash QConners to make "one run". Your money not mine please.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Player leaves club Fanboy: "He wasn't that good anyway" Happens in every sport. At least it wasn't followed up with "Player X in Holden Cup is a better player anyway"