Centre released following drugs saga

Parramatta Eels have parted ways with veteran centre Michael Jennings.

It comes amid Jennings’ involvement with an ongoing enquiry with Sports Integrity Australia (SIA) after the 33-year was provisionally suspended in October last year for testing positive to banned substances. Ligandrol and other banned substances were allegedly found in his system.

Parrramatta released this statement.

“The Parramatta Eels and Michael Jennings have today agreed to bring to an end the terms of Mr Jennings’s playing contract,” the statement reads.

“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 5 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.”