Roosters deny Jennings move

SYDNEY Roosters boss Brian Canavan has insisted Michael Jennings was in the club’s plans for 2016, despite speculation he is about to join the club he once despised, Parramatta.Jennings was linked with a possible shock move to the Eels for this season so the Roosters could free up some much-needed space in their salary cap to recruit Brisbane’s Dale Copley.But The Daily Telegraph understands talk of Jennings and Copley’s double switch is in the very early stages, and was not instigated by neither the Roosters or Parramatta.Both players are represented by the same manager, who isn’t expected back from an overseas holiday until the end of the week.There have been no formal discussions between Copley and the Roosters.Copley has had to find a new home after Brisbane signed centre James Roberts. The Broncos are even prepared to pick up part of Copley’s tab for this year.As for retaining Jennings for the final year of his deal, Canavan said: “Michael is on contract until the end of 2016, and all of our preparation has him playing in the centres with possible (centre) partner Shaun Kenny-Dowall.’’Parramatta officials remained tight lipped about Jennings when contacted on Monday night.While not out of the question, a lot would still need to happen for Copley to join the Chooks and former Penrith junior Jennings to make the move to Parramatta.Jennings, a proud Panthers junior, told The Daily Telegraph in 2011: “I don’t hate the Parramatta players, just the team they represent.“If you come through the Penrith juniors, you’re brought up to hate Parra. That’s how I was brought up and I’m sure it’s still going on.”But Eels fans would quickly forgive Jennings for his comments and admit they desperately need of a top-quality outside back.FRESH START: Hodkinson ready to begin againWHICH: Should Josh Dugan play centre or fullback?FOREVER: Bennett wants Roberts at Broncos for lifeJennings has starred at the Roosters since 2013.Source: News Corp AustraliaThe Eels missed out on Roberts after they farewelled Will Hopoate, and Jennings would provide a lethal combination with Fijian winger Semi Radradra on the left edge.But the Origin centre is on around $700,000 in his final year at the Roosters, which would be a price that would be impossible for the Eels to pay.The club has had well-documented cap problems, signed big names Kieran Foran, Michael Gordon and Beau Scott in the off-season, and rely on the Chooks to pick up some of the freight, which is something the Chooks aren’t prepared to do.Jennings is one of the most devastating centres in rugby league and will be in hot demand once off contract at the end of the season.Copley has had plenty of interest from rival clubs, including the Gold Coast Titans, but the 24-year old wants to join a club that is a genuine title contender like the Roosters.

Replies

Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown January 4, 2016 at 8:58pm

theres no denial there at all,what hes saying is if they get Copley they will let Jennings go, theres obviously been plenty of talks as Copley and Jennings share the same manager, its on but whether it will actually happen is another story, but theres no doubt negotiations are under way.
- Nidge > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown January 4, 2016 at 9:03pm
  
  "Roosters deny Jennings will join Parramatta" was the title of the article. Not my words. I just shortened it. Can see your point but you get the gist.
Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown January 4, 2016 at 9:08pm

Sorry nidge, i wasnt directing that at you mate, just responding to the article, cheers
- Nidge > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown January 4, 2016 at 9:12pm
  
  All good man :) My brain could still be on leave.
This reply was deleted.
- Parra Pete January 4, 2016 at 11:00pm
  
  I don't believe people laughed, merely they just didn't care.
Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown January 4, 2016 at 9:20pm

What its saying in the 3rd paragraph imo is that the talks have been instigated by the players manager, it looks like to me that both the players want a change and their manager is doing what he can to make something happen.

And it means nothing that hes away on holiday, managers are glued to their phones 24/7 365 days a year, they would walk out of a funeral if it meant getting an extra 50k on a deal, these guys are mister 10%ers, if they get another 50k on a deal its 5k for them, dont believe for one second that these negotiations arnt well advanced already.
- Frank The Tank > Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown January 4, 2016 at 9:29pm
  
  Lol.
  They'd walk out of a funeral but would they risk their own lives walking out of their wedding?
Johnny B Good January 4, 2016 at 9:21pm
There is no express denial there from either Parra or Roosters, but:
1. How is Parra supposed to afford Jennings? Roosters are unlikely to pay for their star centre to play elsewhere;
2. Why would Jennings want to leave the Roosters to play for Parra? He is likely to earn more money at the Roosters and his chances of winning another premiership there is much higher; and
3. Copley has not even begun negotiating with the Roosters (according to the article).
Too many problems with this for me to get too excited, but hope its true all the same.
- Ham Sammich > Johnny B Good January 4, 2016 at 9:27pm
  
  When things are looking down, look up.
Frank The Tank January 4, 2016 at 9:27pm

Denying it shit........must be a done deal!!

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This reply was deleted.

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