Tonga international becomes Dolphins latest signing
Robert Jennings in action for Tonga at the Nines World Cup in 2019
The Dolphins have made their latest signing in the shape of Tonga international Robert Jennings ahead of their inaugural season in the NRL next year.
The Penrith Panthers winger will link up with the NRL’s newest franchise from next season.
Jennings has made 65 NRL appearances for Penrith Panthers, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers.
The 26-year-old becomes the fourth outside-back to be signed by Dolphins head coach Wayne Bennett.
Although born and raised in Australia, Jennings qualifies to play for Tonga through his Tongan-born parents. He made his international debut for Tonga in 2018 and played in the Nines World Cup the following year.
Robert is the younger brother of Michael Jennings and George Jennings as well as the nephew of 1960s All Black Arthur Jennings.
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Bennett’s side bolstered their roster last week with the addition of Queensland-based forwards JJ Collins and Ryan Jackson.
Collins has some NRL experience. He last played for Canberra Raiders in 2019 and has 17 NRL appearances to his name following spells with Wests Tigers and Newcastle Knights. He has most recently been playing for Tweed Head Seagulls in the Queensland Cup.
Jackson is an Under-18s Queensland Maroons squad number and is currently a prop for Queensland Cup side Wynnum Manly Seagulls.
Dolphins chief executive Terry Reader said: “The Dolphins will continue to sign talent from Queensland pathways as we honour our pledge to build a team with a long-term future.
“One of the key outcomes of adding the Dolphins to the NRL was to provide more opportunities for local Queensland-based players to compete at the highest level.
“JJ Collins and Ryan Jackson will now get that chance with the Dolphins when our first pre-season training sessions start in November.”
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