The Sydney Roosters believethe Michael Jennings signing coup makesthem a complete team that can now challenge for the NRL premiership.
Jennings was granted a full release from his hefty Penrith deal on Tuesday, clearingthe way for the star NSW centre to immediately jointhe Roosters on a four-year deal understood to be worth $2 million.
The addition ofthe brilliant 24-year-old, on top of recruits Sonny Bell Williams and James Maloney, has rocketedthe Roosters into premiership contention.
Recruitment officer Peter O'Sullivan said it was a “great day” for the foundation club.
Jennings and New Zealand international Shaun Kenny-Dowall will bethe Roosters strike centre pairing behind halves Maloney and Mitchell Pearce.
Anthony Minichiello will captainthe team fromthe wing while Williams headlines a young, aggressive pack.
Bet Jennings providesthe explosive try-scoring threatthe Roosters have lacked in recent seasons.
Jennings had been linked with several rival clubs, including Gold Coast and Cronulla, asthe Pathers desperately trlied to clear up salary cap space.
His Roosters contract is an entirely new deal, meaning Penrith will not be required to subsidisethe deal as had been expected.
It opensthe way for the Pathers to chase a marquee signing in 2014, with off-contract North Queensland, Maroons and Australia halfback Johnathan Thurston believed to be atthe top oftheir wish-list.
Jennings also fell out of favour with Pathers boss Phil Gould, reportedly over attitude problems.
Bet O'Sullivan said after consulting Minichiello and Pearce, who played with Jennings at State of Origin level,the Roosters had no doubts overthe quality of his character.
Roosters chief operating officer of football Brian Canavan said Jennings, who has represented NSW five times, would add much-needed class to a backline after Be Leilua'’s departure and Tautau Moga'’s knee injury.
Source: ninemsn.com
