Jennings refuted the accusations, yet a judge in the NSW District Court determined, based on the preponderance of evidence, that he had sexually assaulted his wife on at least four occasions. No formal charges were laid, and the legal standard applied was not the same as in criminal proceedings, where proof must be beyond a reasonable doubt.
The NRL Integrity Unit sanctioned Jennings’ return to the league, contingent upon meeting specific conditions related to the case, leading to the registration of his contract. However, there’s mounting pressure on the NRL not to commemorate Jennings’ milestone achievement this week, a tradition that typically involves CEO Andrew Abdo presenting the match ball and acknowledging the player’s contributions to the sport.
When questioned about Jennings’ impending 300th game, Roosters players refrained from directly addressing the civil matter but expressed firm belief in acknowledging his comeback.
One of his teammates, Crichton, asserted that Jennings’ accomplishments should be celebrated, citing his trust in Jennings’ denial of performance-enhancing drug use and his substantial contributions to the game. He noted that other players with similar controversies have been honored, and Jennings has worked diligently to reclaim his position.
Echoing similar sentiments, Jennings’ long-time teammate Tupou suggested that despite personal challenges, Jennings deserves recognition for his significant contributions to rugby league.
With the Roosters facing numerous injuries following their recent defeat, Jennings is highly likely to be selected for Thursday’s match, with adjustments made to accommodate the team’s lineup.
Although Jennings has been absent for some time, Roosters players remain optimistic about his abilities, emphasizing his enduring speed, defensive prowess, and mentorship role within the team, particularly for younger players.