The normally unflappable Roosters coach Trent Robinson has been left rattled by personal attacks after his public backing of Michael Jennings.
Robinson’s anger is evident. Until now, he has always been giving, forthright and worth listening to, but that may change.
Robinson has been under pressure as the Roosters struggle for consistency, but he’s also had to deal with Spencer Leniu’s eight-game suspension for racially abusing Brisbane’s Ezra Mam, the exit of Joey Manu at the end of the season to play rugby union in Japan and Jennings’ return to the NRL and the celebration of his 300th game.
A judge awarded Jennings’ ex-wife nearly $500,000 in damages for personal injuries incurred during their marriage following a civil case in the NSW District Court in December 2021. Jennings was also returning to the NRL from a three-year drugs ban.
Robinson has learnt the hard way that he’ll get nothing but hate if he supports Jennings.
Robinson was one of very few people to give Jennings any kind of public support as he approached his 300-game milestone. The coach held a press conference where he explained why he was comfortable with Jennings being part of his team and why the Roosters would hold a private celebration for a player who he has known for more than a decade. Robinson said he did not think it was disrespectful to women to mark the milestone.
Michael Jennings in front of a banner celebrating his 300th NRL game at McDonald Jones Stadium.Credit: Getty
The attacks on Robinson that followed were intense. I am not defending Jennings, but the attacks on Robinson were out of line.
The coach has heard every word about what happened while Jennings was serving his drugs ban and his civil case with his ex-wife. Robinson probably heard a similar story to the one told to the NRL, which was compelling enough for the league to allow Jennings to return to the game when so many other players haven’t.
Personal attacks over support for Jennings rock Robinson
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21.04.2024
The normally unflappable Roosters coach Trent Robinson has been left rattled by personal attacks after his public backing of Michael Jennings.
Robinson’s anger is evident. Until now, he has always been giving, forthright and worth listening to, but that may change.
Robinson has been under pressure as the Roosters struggle for consistency, but he’s also had to deal with Spencer Leniu’s eight-game suspension for racially abusing Brisbane’s Ezra Mam, the exit........
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