https://wwos.nine.com.au/2018/05/02/15/10/my-brother-almost-quit-the-game-jennings
Parramatta star Michael Jennings has come close to tears after revealing how brother George's three-year wait between NRL matches almost made him quit rugby league.
The Jennings siblings fulfilled a lifelong dream of playing alongside each other when George was called onto the wing in round four, which was his first appearance since May 2015.
"He was close to giving up the game, which is pretty sad for me talking about it. It's unbelievable where he's come from," an emotional Michael said on Tuesday.
George broke his leg five games into his NRL career at Penrith three years ago, only for an infection to extend his recovery deep into the off-season.
He was then set to face off against Michael in a trial ahead of the 2016 season, only for a shoulder injury to all but ruin his chances of appearing at all that year.
And then upon his move to the Eels last year, he began to consider becoming a tradesman as he struggled to break into the first grade team and was without a deal for this season.
"He just thought if he didn't get an opportunity this year, that he'd kind of look to other options in his life to where he wants to be. Footy wasn't going to be one of them," Michael said.
"It's pretty sad talking to him about that.
"I remember just telling him, 'You make your own luck, you'll be alright. Just hang in there.' If those words helped him out a bit, I'm glad he's playing some good footy now."
George, 24, has scored three tries in five matches since his elevation onto the right wing, where he forms a one-two punch with his 30-year-old brother.
A former Australian and State of Origin representative with one year remaining on his own deal, Michael is hopeful George has shown enough to earn himself a long-term extension.
"If he keeps playing the way he's playing and performing each week he'll be really close to getting another deal,' Michael said.
But while he and George have enjoyed playing alongside each other, Michael denied youngest brother Robert would be jealous and could be enticed from South Sydney.
"I don't think he would be (jealous). I think I'm more jealous of him living on the beach. He's loving it up at Souths and is enjoying the lifestyle out there," he said.
Replies
If he keep playing way he is i hope we keep him hes a lot better then avua and hoffman put together hes no semi but hes better then both off them
At the end of the day they really only got games last year due to injuries as well. Radradra and French were our wingers.
Gennings has certainly shown his worth so far, and would deserve an extension based on his form shown. It will be interesting as the season progresses as to which off contract players are given extensions, also the comment a few weeks back prior to the wins that BA was looking at all options including those on contract beyond this year.
Auva'a is off contract, while Hoff still has a year to go, but would he get a run elsewhere if he is told he's free to leave, unless SL?