Jennings to take up option in 2019 contract

Eels centre Michael Jennings says he will take up an option on his 2019 contract that will allow the club to rebuild.

In what has been a down year for the last-placed Parramatta, Jennings has only scored four tries in 15 games this season.

But the 30-year old is keen to repay the faith the club has shown in him.

“I’ve been at Parramatta for three years and I want to stay and do my best to help the club through some tough times,” Jennings told The Saturday Telegraph.

“I’m not focusing on contracts at the moment though. I just want to finish the season strongly.”

The Tongan will now shift his attention to Saturday's Pacific Test at Campbelltown Stadium, where he will reunite with teammates Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita.

Jennings said the pair's call to remain playing for Tonga in favour of big-money offers from Australia and New Zealand was significant for their country.

“I don’t those boys realise how much of an impact they’ve made,” he said.

“And it’s not only in rugby league. I’ve noticed it has impacted other sports, like in rugby union with younger players deciding to play for Tonga or the smaller nations.

“I think the boys have encouraged anyone from Tonga to chase their goals and represent their nation.

“That is a powerful thing.”