Parramatta star Michael Jennings has come close to tears after revealing how brother George’s three-year wait between NRL matches almost made him quit rugby league.
The Jennings siblings fulfilled a lifelong dream of playing alongside each other when George was called onto the wing in round four, which was his first appearance since May 2015.
“He was close to giving up the game, which is pretty sad for me talking about it. It’s unbelievable where he’s come from,” an emotional Michael said on Tuesday.
George broke his leg five games into his NRL career at Penrith three years ago, only for an infection to extend his recovery deep into the off-season.
He was then set to face off against Michael in a trial ahead of the 2016 season, only for a shoulder injury to all but ruin his chances of appearing at all that year.
And then upon his move to the Eels last year, he began to consider becoming a tradesman as he struggled to break into the first grade team and was without a deal for this season.
“He just thought if he didn’t get an opportunity this year, that he’d kind of look to other options in his life to where he wants to be. Footy wasn’t going to be one of them,” Michael said.
“It’s pretty sad talking to him about that.
“I remember just telling him, ‘You make your own luck, you’ll be alright. Just hang in there.’ If those words helped him out a bit, I’m glad he’s playing some good footy now.”
George, 24, has scored three tries in five matches since his elevation onto the right wing, where he forms a one-two punch with his 30-year-old brother.
A former Australian and State of Origin representative with one year remaining on his own deal, Michael is hopeful George has shown enough to earn himself a long-term extension.
“If he keeps playing the way he’s playing and performing each week he’ll be really close to getting another deal,’ Michael said.
“We don’t talk much but when it’s small talk, it means a lot. And he understands it better than some other players. We work really well together. He seems to play with a lot of confidence next to me.”
But while he and George have enjoyed playing alongside each other, Michael denied youngest brother Robert would be jealous and could be enticed from South Sydney.
“I don’t think he would be (jealous). I think I’m more jealous of him living on the beach. He’s loving it up at Souths and is enjoying the lifestyle out there,” he said.