Jennings case is random test hit No deep drug issue

SPORTS Integrity Australia has eased some of the NRL’S concerns over the suspension of Parramatta’s Michael Jennings by assuring head office that it was a random sample rather than a targeted test based on information against the club or the game.

Parramatta, whose season came to an abrupt end on Saturday night at the hands of South Sydney, have also taken heart from the fact that their supplements committee was given the tick of approval by the NRL only a matter of a month or two ago.

Jennings was provisionally suspended on Friday after returning a positive A sample for LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and its metabolite Di-hydroxyLGD-4033. He also tested positive to Ibutamoren and its metabolites Desbenzyl Ibutamoren and OH Ibutamoren.

His failed drug test was the third high-profile case involving an NRL player in recent times – former Cronulla and Brisbane hooker James Segeyaro, and Sharks centre Bronson Xerri are yet to have their suspensions finalised.

In some quarters that has given rise to suggestions that rugby league may have a deeper problem on their hands. However, SIA assured NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo over the weekend that rather than acting on any intelligence against Jennings, the Eels or the game, the centre’s test was purely luck of the draw.

He now faces a fight to continue his career. Jennings has vowed to clear his name and has hired prominent Melbourne lawyer Ben Ihle to argue his case. Ihle helped Essendon players during the supplement scandal a few years back.

The first step in the process will be having Jennings’ B sample tested, although rare is it that it provides a different result to the A sample. Jennings, 32, will then be given the chance to front an anti-doping tribunal and argue his case.

Given he is in the twilight years of his career, anything less than an exoneration could potentially spell the end of his career. For the time being, he remains on Parramatta’s payroll and he will continue to be paid until the anti-doping tribunal make a call on the length of any suspension.

Jennings is unlikely to be in a rush to have his case heard given how much he stands to lose – he signed a new contract with the Eels this year which carries him through until the end of 2022.

Under section 91 of the NRL’S anti-doping policy, Jennings faces a four-year ban unless he can prove that the violation was not intentional.

The outcome of the Jennings case will have huge ramifications for Parramatta. The Eels could suddenly be in the market for a new centre and they are likely to keep a watch on Brisbane’s Kotoni Staggs.