Dolphins secure 'try-scoring weapon' for NRL start

The Dolphins have turned their attention to their backline after signing experienced winger Robert Jennings for their entry to the NRL competition in 2023.

Currently with the Penrith Panthers, Jennings is a Tongan international who has played with the Rabbitohs and Tigers.

He will join the Dolphins on a three-year contract.

An Australian Schoolboy representative, Jennings made his NRL debut for the Panthers in 2015 before representing the Junior Kangaroos that year.

He joined the Rabbitohs in 2017 and was able to demonstrate his strike, scoring 24 tries in 34 matches over two seasons before moving to the Wests Tigers.

Jennings played 23 matches for the Tigers, before switching back to his junior club the Panthers last year as they surged to the 2021 NRL premiership.

Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said Jennings had the ability to be a backline strike weapon for the club.

“Robert has played at successful clubs and also has representative experience, so is a great acquisition for the Dolphins,” said Reader.

“He scored 19 tries in one season with the Rabbitohs and has averaged better than a try every two games across his NRL career.

“Those kind of statistics underline the fact that he has the power and ability to cause plenty of damage in the NRL for the Dolphins.”

Jennings made his Test debut for Tonga in 2018, and previously represented the NSW under-20s team.

He won the NYC under-20s grand final with the Panthers in 2015 and is the younger brother of NRL internationals Michael and George Jennings.

Robert Jennings

Age: 26
Height: 185cms
Weight: 107kg
NRL matches: 65
Tries: 33
Representative record: 1 Test for Tonga (2018); Australian Schoolboys (2014), Junior Kangaroos
(2015), NSW Under 20s (2015)