IM MEETING WITH BRAD ON FRIDAY TO SORT THINGS OUT
Michael Jennings is in a similar situation to 12 months ago, with Parramatta yet to lock in a contract extension for the veteran and agree on terms that please both parties.
On the Friday before the up-coming game against Newcastle, Jennings is expected to sit down with Eels coach Brad Arthur to sort his playing career out once and for all.
However, the roadblock at the moment is that Jennings would like a two-year deal, while the Eels are only prepared to give him
The Blacktown centre is hoping to sort the negotiations prior to Saturday’s clash against the Knights, a team he nearly joined at the beginning of the season.
“I’m meeting with Brad on Friday and hopefully we can sort it then, Jennings told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“I’d like to sort it Friday. I would have liked it to be sorted three months ago. The good thing is I’m not putting too much time and energy into it. It is my future but I trust (my manager) will get it done.
A year ago, Jennings was at a minor breaking point with a drop in form, and a team slump caused him to be dropped to reserve grade while the Eels had their bye.
The turnaround since then has provided insight into his character, with the 31-year-old returning to career-best form.
“I am pretty happy I turned it all around,” he said. “I believed I had the ability and I was confident in my ability. I backed myself to stay here and prove I did have more to offer. It is really satisfying, but there is still more I can give to this club and that is why I want to stay for another two years.”
Jennings revealed that he was extremely close to signing with Newcastle last year, but now with talks of the Eels going after Knights three-quarter Jesse Ramien.
“I’m happy to stay here, but I really have to think about my future as well,” Jennings said. “I just had a little and I need to weigh up my family’s future. One year doesn’t hurt (me) but for my family it will hurt.”
The Eels are currently in sixth place as they prepare for Saturday afternoon’s clash with the Knights.
Replies
He is still a good player, but at the end of a distinquised career. His past injuries have slowed him down and is no longer the try scoring machine he once was. A dynamic younger centre replacement would be more suitable for a development club. Our recruitment for 2019 has shown what new blood can do for our club and now is the time for regeneration.
Still going good and I’d re sign him. One of the best defensive centres in the game and really in the modern game centre is really a predominately defensive position in terms of importance.
Hes possibly slowed down a bit but he’s never been super quick over 100 metres his pace has always been 20 metre pace. Last week when he intercepted that pass you saw he put a gap on them initially and then got run down. He would have been run down by a super quick player like Saab who is built like a sprinter even at the peak of his career. He isn’t built like a sprinter at all Jenko hence the quick drop off of speed after 20 metres.
Best to stand MJ down to reserve grade until this is sorted out . Upon his return last weekend v Warriors I was sure any effort requiring a long run was too hard on his lungs . I trust MJ can return to his best fitness however we will see how it turns out before committing to big $$$$ contract . Newcastle might still need you Michael lol .
That run put a line through his name for me
He is 31, so he could go for another 2 years, the problem i see is that he has put on a bit of weight and is slowing down. If he was to recommit to a lighter weight and some better sprint times, then yeah, otherwise 1 year or if we pick up one of these speedy guys we are after then maybe goodbye.
I can certainly see how its being left in the air.
Meet halfway then. 1yr deal with a 2nd yr option depending on his form and fitness.
Oh we have a winner here.
It's all but signed. Jenko. Waqua. Parry the new youngster. One more quality centre and we a sweet. Cover and talent.
Sorry bong head but that didn't quite sound right...oh...soryy re read it it again...all fine, by the way, pass that bong will yah?
Still one of the best centres in the game despite him being 31. Need his experience big time and his form has been good this year. I think it’s a no brainer to give him 2yrs especially when he’s gonna be on a heavily reduced salary.
pros: experience, defense
cons: age, sticky fingers
Could be good at the right price. The club wouldn't want his price tag hindering our juniors coming through or the purchase of guns like Semi or Jesse.
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