Former Parramatta Eels star Michael Jennings has officially been suspended for three years for breaching the NRL’s anti-doping laws.
The 33-year-old was suspended on the morning of Parramatta’s semi-final against South Sydney last year after returning a positive result for banned drugs Ibutamoren and Ligandrol.
The ex-NSW State of Origin representative departed the club earlier this year after both parties agreed to a mutual release.
The NRL confirmed Jennings’ three-year suspension in a statement today.
“The National Rugby League has suspended former Parramatta Eels player Michael Jennings for a period of three years for breaches of its anti-doping rules,” the statement read.
“Jennings elected to admit to anti-doping rule violations of presence and use of prohibited substances LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and Ibutamoren, waive his right to a hearing before the NRL anti-doping tribunal and accept the resulting sanction. This follows completion of the anti-doping process conducted by Sport Integrity Australia.
“The resulting sanction of a three-year period of ineligibility includes a one-year reduction for admission and acceptance of sanction in accordance with the provisions of the WADA code.
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“Jennings’ suspension is taken to have commenced on the date of his sample collection on September 21, 2020, and Jennings will be eligible to return to competition on September 21, 2023.”
Jennings joined the Eels in 2016 after stints with the Panthers and Roosters.
The former Test Kangaroo was a member of the Roosters’ 2013 premiership triumph over the Sea Eagles, in which he scored a try.
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