When the NRL rubber-stamped the return of Michael Jennings earlier this week, it would have done so in the hope the veteran centre wouldn’t bring more damaging headlines.
Yet Jennings’ chequered past continues to haunt him and the game.
The former NSW and Australian centre has served his suspension for drugs offences, a three-year ban after testing positive to prohibited substances LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and Ibutamoren. There is another mark against his name. Jennings was ordered to pay his ex-wife Kirra Wilden nearly $500,000 in damages following a civil dispute in the NSW District Court in December 2021.
Wilden made allegations in the court that Jennings had verbally and sexually abused her during their relationship, that he would also drink and gamble heavily, and engaged in regular cocaine use.
The matter is far from over. That ruling came almost two years ago and Wilden claims she is yet to be paid a cent.
Jennings, who lost an appeal to clear his name and reduce the $490,091.05 amount Wilden is entitled to, has declared himself bankrupt.
Former Parramatta centre Michael Jennings.Credit: Getty
However, Garry Penhall, a solicitor engaged by Wilden to recoup the money she is owed, is pressing ahead with further legal action.
“Ms Wilden has not been paid the $500,000 judgement,” Penhall told this masthead. “Ms Wilden intends to make an application to annul the bankruptcy. The allegation is that it was obtained by fraud.”
Michael Jennings hasn’t paid his ex-wife $500k in damages. Why does the NRL want him back?
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21.11.2023
When the NRL rubber-stamped the return of Michael Jennings earlier this week, it would have done so in the hope the veteran centre wouldn’t bring more damaging headlines.
Yet Jennings’ chequered past continues to haunt him and the game.
The former NSW and Australian centre has served his suspension for drugs offences, a three-year ban after testing positive........
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