Ex-wife of Michael Jennings, Kirra Wilden, slams NRL over registration of controversial Sydney Roosters star
Traditionally, the NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo is on hand to present the game ball to players celebrating such a milestone. Only a fortnight ago, Roosters teammate Jared Waerea-Hargreaves played in his 300th game and Abdo was there to make the presentation.
Lawyers acting for Wilden said their client has yet to receive any money from Jennings.
‘The NRL does not take the assault of women seriously. Women are therefore frightened to speak up.’
Kirra Wilden
“NRL represents our Australian spirit and our international identity,” said Moya de Luca-Leonard, the solicitor on the record in the personal injury case. “Our footy players are setting standards and should follow the law.”
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The NRL and the Roosters were contacted for comment.
In June 2022, a judge found that Jennings sold three investment properties and paid the proceeds, which exceeded $1.6 million, to a third party.
“I find that the payment of money to [a third party] was done in order to dissipate or minimise the defendant’s assets in a transparent attempt to avoid satisfying the judgement made in favour of the plaintiff [Wilden],” the judge found.
Speaking after Friday night’s loss, Roosters coach Trent Robinson said Jennings had made a positive contribution after coming onto the field.
“I thought he was great,” Robinson said. “He’s been playing that way, training that way and [it] was really nice to see him play, get out there and show that he’s still got gas and he’s still got effort.”
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Asked if he felt Jennings had been capable of making an NRL return, Robinson said: “I didn’t even know if he’d make the squad, to be honest.
“You know, he was on a 14-week trial there, and he was 10 kilos heavier, and his purpose is really clear about why he plays the game now, with his family and wanting to re-write his name in the right way, and do the right thing.
“So, his purpose is really clear, he worked really hard, and I really enjoyed watching him play in reggies [reserve grade].”
With Billie Eder
