Rugby League: Parramatta Eels star Michael Jennings tests positive for banned substances

Parramatta star Michael Jennings has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for banned substances.

It means the arms center will miss the Eels’ life or death semi-final against South Sydney tonight.

The NRL issued a statement confirming that Jennings had tested positive for Ligandrol, the same banned substance that Australian swimmer Shayna Jack allegedly ingested.

“The Notice of Provisional Suspension states that Mr. Jennings returned a positive A sample for LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and its Di-hydroxy-LGD-4033 metabolite, and also Ibutamoren and its metabolites Desbenzyl Ibutamoren and OH Ibutamoren,” the statement said. by NRL. .

“Each of these substances is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the NRL Anti-Doping Policy.

“Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) evaluated Mr. Jennings on September 21, 2020 and SIA received the positive result on October 9, 2020.

“Mr. Jennings is prohibited from participating in any sport that complies with WADA, including rugby league, while the provisional suspension is in effect.”

Parramatta issued a statement in response to the bomb, reiterating the NRL’s point that Jennings can request that his B sample be tested.

“Michael Jennings has been removed from today’s game and ongoing training / game responsibilities while the process is ongoing, which per policy includes the opportunity to analyze his B sample,” the statement said.

“The club has been in contact with Michael and will continue to offer him and his family our full wellness support.”

Jennings’ suspension is a major blow to the Eels, whose prime ministerial campaign had already been derailed by the losses of winger Maika Sivo and teammate Blake Ferguson.

Parramatta’s top two comemometers have been ruled out with injury and coach Brad Arthur will have to make more changes now that the baseline has been further decimated.

NRL reporter Brad Walter said on Twitter that Jennings’ ban was “huge shock and disappointing news,” while Fox League commentator Warren Smith added: “Possibly a career-ending violation.”

The Eels’ top defense was shattered by Melbourne last week and during the week Jennings became a coach, conducting one-on-one video sessions with teammate Waqa Blake on his decision making in an effort to ensure that Parramatta I can put up with the Souths tonight.

That task has become much more difficult.