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Parramatta Eels star Michael Jennings is suspended indefinitely for alleged doping just HOURS before NRL semi-final against South Sydney Rabbitohs

NRL star Michael Jennings has been suspended indefinitely for an alleged doping breach.

The Parramatta Eels player was suspended on Saturday under the NRL's Anti-Doping Policy just hours ahead of the team's semi-final against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Jennings was tested by the Sport Integrity Australia on September 21 and the result was received on October 9. 

NRL star Michael Jennings has been suspended indefinitely for an alleged doping breach (pictured with wife Kristen Harris)

NRL star Michael Jennings has been suspended indefinitely for an alleged doping breach (pictured with wife Kristen Harris)

Michael Jennings of the Eels smiles during a Parramatta Eels training session at Kellyville Park on October 07, 2020

Michael Jennings of the Eels smiles during a Parramatta Eels training session at Kellyville Park on October 07, 2020

He allegedly returned a positive A-sample for LGD-4033 and its metabolite Di-hydroxy-LGD-4033, and also Ibutamoren and its metabolites Desbenzyl Ibutamoren and OH Ibutamoren.

All these substances are banned within the World Anti-Doping Agency and the NRL's Anti-Doping Policy. 

'Mr Jennings is prohibited from participating in any WADA compliant sport, including rugby league, while the provisional suspension is in place,' an NRL statement read.

The Parramatta Eels also issued a statement confirming that Jennings has been suspended. 

'Michael Jennings has been stood down from today's game and ongoing training/playing responsibilities while the process runs its course, which under the policy includes the opportunity to have his B-sample analysed,' the Eels said in a statement.

'The Club has been in contact with Michael and will continue to offer him and his family our full support.'  

Michael Jennings of the Eels runs the ball during the round 19 NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Brisbane Broncos at Bankwest Stadium on September 18, 2020

Michael Jennings of the Eels runs the ball during the round 19 NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Brisbane Broncos at Bankwest Stadium on September 18, 2020

The Parramatta Eels also issued a statement confirming that Jennings has been suspended (pictured with wife Kristen Harris)

The Parramatta Eels also issued a statement confirming that Jennings has been suspended (pictured with wife Kristen Harris) 

The Eels will massively miss Jennings tonight with wingers Maiko Sivo and Blake Ferguson already ruled out through injury. 

NRL icon Darren Lockyer told Weekend Today that the news would be 'a distraction' for the Eels.

'They've lost their two wingers, they've lost Michael Jennings, so on the eve of a final, it's definitely not the news an individual or a team or the club wants,' he said.

'Souths will go into the game with their distractions off field as well,' Lockyer added, referring to the allegations Rabbitohs coach Sam Burgess is facing regarding his private life.

Jennings has played nearly 300 games after starting his career at the Penrith Panthers in 2007. He moved on to the Roosters before joining the Eels in 2016.

He has also played for NSW in State of Origin on 18 occasions. 

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