Far from harbouring any grudges against his former side Penrith, Michael Jennings says he wants to thank them for reviving his NRL career.
The Sydney Roosters star centre will face his former Panthers teammates when the two sides clash in their qualifying final at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
Jennings signed a four-year deal with reigning premiers last year after a spate of disciplinary issues and a high price tag led to Penrith letting him go.
Jennings, a Penrith product who’d been connected with the club since he was a schoolboy, admits it took some time to get over his axing but credits the Panthers with giving him the kick he needed to get his career in order.
“It took a while just to get over what happened. It was hurtful at the time,” he said.
“But I put myself in that position to be released and I’ve got no grudge.
“That’s part of football and I guess I can thank them for opening my eyes and putting me in a position where I can start playing some good footy and doing my part for a team.”
Jennings, who in 2011 was forced to hand out tickets to supporters at a Penrith game after arriving at training drunk, continued to trouble the club with a lack of discipline the following year.
He admits he got too complacent at the Panthers and is grateful for the second chance he’s been given by the Roosters.
“I look at that stuff now and just laugh at it. It’s just funny to see the stuff I got up to over there and it’s good to see where I’m at now,” he said.
“To open my eyes and see the mistakes that I made when I was over there. I took it for granted some stuff and I’m so grateful to be where I am now.
“It’s a second chance.
“It was good to freshen up and see where I’m at.
“I was too comfortable over there. Coming over here I’m on my toes all the time with the young players coming through.
“It was a good move.”
Jennings, whose two younger brothers George and Robert are coming through the Panthers ranks, says he’ll always have a “soft spot” for his former club and is happy to see them turn around their fortunes from last year’s 10th-place finish.
But come Saturday it will be business as usual.
“It’s good to see them where they are but I’ve just got to treat it like any other game it’s nothing special, it’s just Penrith,” he said.
Things may not be as clear cut for Jennings’ family however.
“My mum and my whole family will be there. They’ve all been Penrith fans since they were growing up so it will be tough,” he said.
“But I’m guessing they’ll lean towards me and go for their son.”
