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Eels winger George Jennings, who spent part of the season on loan to the Warriors, ran on two attempts in a loss in the NRL semifinal to South Sydney. of the
On the worst day of Michael Jennings’ 298-game NRL career, his younger brother George met the older of his with a brace against South Sydney on Saturday night.
Like the entire Parramatta club, George was shocked by the news early Saturday that his older brother Michael was provisionally suspended for returning a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs.
Coach Brad Arthur telephoned all of his players, but saved a deeper conversation for the 27-year-old winger who was set to replace the injured Maika Sivo.
Being his first game of the NRL final, it was already a gigantic task to complete without the emotional turmoil of the day.
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Mark Kolbe / Getty Images
George Jennings in the Eels flurry against South Sydney.
The pressure could have broken it, but George was 130 meters and the first double of his career in the NRL.
“He did a really good job,” Arthur said after the 38-24 semifinal loss to Souths.
“He managed to put aside some personal matters and continue with the work of his colleagues.
“I called all the players this morning and their attitude was excellent.
“It was a little more in-depth conversation with George.
“When he got here, he shrugged and was ready to go.”
Mark Kolbe / Getty Images
Eels veteran Michael Jennings has been suspended from the NRL semifinal after testing positive for two banned substances.
On one of the most dramatic days in club history, the Eels were shocked by the news that their former Test and Origin center had returned a positive sample for Ligandrol and Ibutamoren.
The news alone was unsettling, but on the morning of a semifinal so was the timing.
However, Arthur refused to use it as an excuse to withdraw from the final in straight sets.
“They bounced, they were ready to go and obviously people were worried about what happened, but they knew they had a job to do, and it was to come and play soccer,” he said.
“I thought the effort was there, but it was just a few silly moments.
Mark Kolbe / Getty Images
The Eels appear dejected after their 38-24 NRL semi-final loss to the Rabbitohs.
“[Souths] scored three soft attempts tonight. We didn’t win those attempts.
“They are disappointed, and they should be. This is a huge missed opportunity.”
Arthur said he had spoken to Michael earlier that day out of concern for his well-being as he faces a four-year ban on sports that comply with the AMA.
The 32-year-old now has the opportunity to have his B sample tested as the next part of the process.
