Michael Jennings is a former rugby league footballer who played for Tonga and Australia at the international level. In 2022, his wife, Kirra Wilden, sued him in the NSW District Court, alleging he verbally abused and sexually assaulted her throughout their relationship.
Michael Jennings Personal Life
Michael Jennings was born on 20th April 1988 in Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia to Tongan-born parents, Antonio Jennings, and Vialata Jennings. He is also of Fijian and English descent.
Michael is the elder brother of Melbourne Storm player George Jennings and Penrith Panthers player Robert Jennings and nephew of 1960s All-Black Arthur Jennings.
Michael Jennings Career
Michael began his career as a junior football for the Western City Tigers Mt Druitt and St Mary’s Saints and later signed to the Australian Schoolboys team in 2005.
Jennings began his professional rugby league career with the Penrith Panthers in 2007, where he quickly established himself as a top-tier center. In his first season, he scored 15 tries in 23 matches. He won the Panthers Player of the Year award and the Rookie of the Year award and was nominated for the Dally M Rookie of the Year.
He followed that up with another impressive season in 2008, scoring 12 tries in 26 matches. he was selected in the preliminary 46-man Australian and Tongan squads for the 2008 World Cup.
In 2009, he played for the New South Wales City team against New South Wales Country. In October and November, he traveled to Europe with the Australian team for the 2009 Four Nations. He made his debut for the Kangaroos in the match against France.
On 13th February 2010, he played for the inaugural NRL All Stars team against the Indigenous All Stars at Cbus Super Stadium.
After spending several seasons with the Panthers, he moved to the Sydney Roosters in 2013. In his debut season, he played a key role in the Roosters winning the NRL Premiership, scoring a try in the Grand Final against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. He continued to perform at a high level for the Roosters over the next few seasons, helping them reach the NRL Finals in 2014 and 2015.
In 2016, he made his international debut for the Australian national team, where he played a vital role in helping them win the Four Nations tournament. He went on to represent Australia in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, where they reached the final but unfortunately lost to England.
In 2020, he was suspended from playing rugby league after testing positive for banned substances.
On 15th October 2021, he accepted a three-year ban from playing rugby league for doping in relation to the failed drugs test which happened 12 months prior
Michael Jennings Relationship
In the past, he was married to Kirra Wilden but eventually they got divorced.
He is married to his longtime partner, Kristine Jennings. She has also been supportive of her husband throughout his rugby league career and has stood by him during his personal and professional challenges. Together, the couple has two children, a daughter named Nevaeh and a son named Nui.
Michael Jennings Education
He completed his schooling at Blackett Primary School. He later joined St Dominic’s College.
Michael Jennings Net Worth
According to various sources, he has a net worth of around $5 million.
Michael Jennings Controversies
Despite his impressive achievements, his career was not without controversy. He faced several setbacks, including injuries, suspensions, and personal issues. In 2014, he was suspended for four matches for a high tackle on Roosters teammate Shaun Kenny-Dowall. In 2016, he was suspended for four matches for a dangerous throw on North Queensland Cowboys player Ethan Lowe.
In 2022, his wife, Kirra Wilden, sued him in the NSW District Court, alleging he verbally abused and sexually assaulted her throughout their relationship.
She was awarded $490,000 for personal injuries including post-traumatic stress disorder and during the course of civil proceedings last year she alleged he sexually assaulted her on four occasions.
Michael Jennings Instagram Account
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Michael Jennings Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Michael Jennings |
| Birth date | April 20, 1988 |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Birth Place | Australia |
| Profession | Rugby Player |
| Height | 5′ 11″ |
| Ethnicity | Tongan-Fijian-English |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
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