Jennings set to leave Panthers

Penrith flyer Michael Jennings looks set to walk out of the Panthers after a bust-up with club supremo Phil Gould.

Reports suggest the 24-year-old centre is on the verge of signing a deal with Sydney Roosters, worth a reputed $600,000 a season.

NSW Blues and Australia international Jennings enjoyed a less-than-spectacular 2012 season, which was cut short by injury.

But Jennings’ relationship with General Manager Phil Gould appears to have turned sour after the former NSW coach learned of the player’s desire to leave.

”I received an email from Michael’s management last week requesting a sizeable payout of his Panther contract to make up the shortfall he would experience if he left Penrith to play for one of these other clubs,” Gould told The Sydney Morning Herald.

”Naturally, I informed his manager Panthers would not be contributing anything like that amount for him to play with another club. I told them his new club would have to pay if they wanted his services. Michael is in our salary cap for season 2013 and we are under no pressure to move any player at this time.”

But Gould, who fined Jennings in 2011 for turning up drunk to training, says he will not stand in the star centre’s way if a deal can be struck.