Parramatta have mutually agreed with former centre Michael Jennings to terminate his contract as they look to free up NRL salary cap space.
Parramatta have terminated the contract of Michael Jennings as they look to free up salary cap space for the remainder of this NRL season and next.
The termination of his deal comes as the Eels edge closer to clocking in their roster for 2022, with only half of their squad signed beyond this year.
Big name players Mitch Moses, Nathan Brown, Blake Ferguson and Ryan Matterson are all either off-contract or have player options yet to be enacted for next season.
Jennings’ contract with the Eels is set to expire at the end of the season, though he has an option in his favour for 2022.
Money freed up from Jennings’ deal, which is believed to be worth around $400,000 a season, will go towards boosting the squad.
The 33-year-old ex-Test and Origin centre is provisionally suspended for allegedly testing positive to banned substances Ligandrol and Ibutamoren last year.
“The Parramatta Eels and Michael Jennings have today agreed to bring to an end the terms of Mr Jennings’ playing contract,” a club statement read.
“Mr Jennings is the subject of an ongoing process with Sports Integrity Australia (SIA).
“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.
“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.”
Chris Love
Roar Guru
The current contract doesn’t guarantee a cent. Sample A came back positive and it’s almost unheard of for the B sample to come back negative. If the Eels stopped paying him in February then obviously they are on solid ground to use the remainder of the 400k salary for someone else if there is a spot on the roster available. He was probably asked to break ties on the contract because there is very little chance he will have it overturned. Maybe there was some sort of handshake deal if the unlikely happened. I think it’s the least he could have done after that bombshell on the eve of a knock out finals game last year.
Paul
Roar Guru
Why then would Jennings leave. There's nothing in this deal for him if he doesn't get money. At least with current contract, he had something he could use to guarantee his future financially, assuming the drug tests came back negative.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
Even though they stopped paying his salary in Feb, he was still taking up a slot in the 30 man roster. By finalising it they can fill that slot before August. Kotoni Staggs could be playing finals footy this year ;)
Chris Love
Roar Guru
I doubt they’ve paid him out considering the stopped paying his salary in Feb.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
Apparently Parra stopped paying him at the start of February.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Certainly a sad way to probably end what had been a great NRL career via the Panthers , Roosters & Eels - 298 games ( 157 tries) along with 18 State of Origin & 7 Test matches. There are only a few out there with records like that ! Now somewhat tarnished it seems.
GregM
Roar Rookie
making number plates during the day, biting the pillow at night
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Footballers are koala 's. Young slamming Sammy pleads guilty no conviction $1162 fine. If it was you and I we'd be making numberplates.
GregM
Roar Rookie
the NRL have continually shown they have no cojones and are weak as p!ss. Last I saw drugs are illegal, yet they continually give players a slap on the wrist. But then if they did sack a player he’d probably get a lawyer saying it is restraint of trade & it was in some dodgy supplements
Paul
Roar Guru
saw that only a minute ago. Are you going to let Coates go to the second Brisbane team based in Melbourne?
Paul
Roar Guru
that's certainly the way it seems. If he didn't get money, why terminate the contract and if the Eels did pay him out, I'm not sure what sort of message they're sending fans?
Nat
Roar Guru
See you in 4 yrs with Staggs... :thumbup:
GregM
Roar Rookie
take drugs – get busted – get your $400K contract paid out – where do I sign up? should be take drugs – get busted – contract torn up $000.00 here’s you’re dole form to fill out & you’re deregistered from the NRL. Oh – unless you’re Brent Naden cuz party drugs are OK. PAR – TAY!
GregM
Roar Rookie
all you have to remember is "I have no recollection of that fact your honour" and "it was the other three, not me" possibly followed by (if guilty) "I'm not crying, I've just got something in my eye!"
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Desperate times and desperate measures. Hook’s got Tyrrell Fuimaono playing there this week.
Paul
Roar Guru
Staggs, Lomax & Bird. Pretty solid trio.
andrew
Roar Rookie
You never know who Griffin will sign next, I'd make a play for Kotoni Staggs :stoked:
Paul
Roar Guru
What's in this for Jennings? I'm also wondering how this move could free up salary money for the Eels this year if, presumably, they paid Jennings out of his 2021 contract?
Paul
Roar Guru
don't go there, PLEEEEASE!! :crying:
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
“Parramatta does not consider that Mr Jennings would intentionally take performance enhancing substances.” if that were to be true, then MJ deserves certainly needs to understand the way of his errors (stupid I guess), but needs a fair go too.