THOSE comments are going to haunt Michael Jennings for the next four years — Tim Mannah will make sure of it.
Back in 2011 while playing for the Panthers, Jennings now famously and unfortunately said he didn’t hate the Eels players, just the team they represent.
He also mentioned that as a Penrith junior, he was raised that way.
As the rugby league fates would have it, Jennings has come face to face with his words on his first day of Eels training with his former high school foe leading the way.
“We brought it up today,” said Mannah, a Parramatta junior who was also raised on the classic western Sydney rivalry.
“We actually played against each other all the way through the lower grades.
“I’ll drop this as well, we beat him in the Harold Matthews grand final, so I have to remind him of that.”
This is the humbling situation the 27-year-old NSW star walked into on his first day of training with the Eels on Monday.
The former Roosters star was also hoodwinked into thinking he was popping in for a medical but instead was made to throw on the boots and join in on the training session.
Mannah found out with the rest of the team that Jennings would be joining the club on Monday morning and said seeing Jennings in the blue and gold was a shock.
Michael Jennings and Tim Mannah played for NSW together.“We used to hate each other. Half of the boys went to school with each other and there was always bragging rights up for grabs,” he said.
“You grew up with that kind of rivalry. To see him in the blue and gold was a shock to the system, but it was a welcome shock.
“I think all Parra fans will enjoy seeing him in those colours.”
While he’s happy to rib his old foe in good fun, Mannah says he understands why Jennings would ignore the Parramatta-Penrith rivalry for the good of his career.
Mannah, who made his first grade debut with the Eels back in 2009, said he can’t remember the club being in a better position and signing Jennings is the final piece of the puzzle.
“I think people underestimate how much of a professional Jenko is,” Mannah said.
“He’s really quiet and softly spoken off the field, but once he gets on the field he’s very animated and he leads in the way he acts.
New Parramatta players Michael Jennings and Kieran Foran chat during training.“He’s the missing piece to the puzzle.
“We had a really good team and were just one strike outside back short and to be able to go out and get one of the best centres in the competition in January is something we’re very fortunate to be able to do.
“I’ve been friends with him for a long time and I’m really excited to have him on board.”
Mannah’s first year in the NRL was the last time the Eels made the NRL finals.
Although Mannah is reluctant to make any pre-season promises, he said he hopes the Eels can do the talking with their results in 2016.
“[2009] was my first year and I thought, ‘how good is this, we can play grand finals every year’, but we haven’t played a finals series since,” he said.
“I’ve been at the club for a long time and I’ve never had this sense of excitement heading into a season.
“There’s always anticipation and the excitement about the season but to see what we have now and know that haven’t had it before, it’s good.”
Replies
Now, this is a great picture and testimony for those responsible for bringing this level of talent to the club!
I still can't shake the feeling that Schubert has played a major role in assisting with our recruitment?
Maybe he is our best signing?
Credit goes to BA. These players simply do not join if BA was not here.
The reality is that we have incompetent management and have been dead lucky on more than a few occasions.
Firstly, JT was meant to be the coach however at the 11th hour he rejected the offer mgt signed BA.
Mgt then did their best to screw up the Foran deal. Instead of a 4 year deal we have a 2 year deal.
Then they stuff up negotiations with Hoppa (thank god they did) and this eventually leads to Jennings signing.
Somwhere in there they F%^& up the salary cap.
This blind luck can't last forever.
Hey Leyland boy.
If you conquer your 2015 record of selling over twenty Leylands this year, your boss has promised you can cross the road and start working at the Kia yard.
Head down and bum up Fwank, kind of like your average Friday night!
You da man Fwankfurt!
Bwahahaha, and I am the one seeking attention?
Funny shitt!
Two posts in three minutes.
Now, how about you start your daily dose of self involved dribble about Sharpie which it appears you think we must want to read?
You know the repetitive shitt you ramble on about several times per day, every week of every year?
Looks like Sharpie is doing just fine Fwanker...
Who's REALLY the dope?
LOLL
Who gives a fark..honestly?
The fact this had five posts to one when I realised is all credit to your little ghey mate, Fwank.
Thanks Fwank!
Jealousy is a curse, ugly and instilled within your poor excuse for a soul, small shot.
Come up north and I'll show you REAL estate anytime you poor simple and unimportant little pizza eating fek.
I've made the invite so many times.
Just stay behind your little fort (keyboard) if you know what's good for you Paul.
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