"We spoke about it, there is a big role for me to play at the club and even though I'm still young, it's a big responsibility.
"Hopefully that will help make me the player I want to be."
Jennings' patchy form on the park coincided with a difficult year off it.
He was sanctioned by the Panthers for drinking while injured and was ordered to hand out free tickets to fans during an NRL match after he turned up to a training session under the influence of alcohol.
A shining light in his 2011 season was two impressive performances for NSW in State of Origin but he failed to earn selection for the end-of-season Kangaroos tour.
With renewed enthusiasm and fitness, and a fresh approach under Cleary, Jennings is out to reclaim his status as one of rugby league's premier centres.
"Last year was up and down and obviously I could have done better," Jennings said.
"Injuries did slow me down a bit last year and obviously off-field stuff did slow it up a bit.
"But that's last year now, and I'm just looking towards this year and staying fit.
"I've just got to do all the little stuff and get all the stuff off the field right and then if I'm playing well and doing my job for Penrith, the bonus will be making rep teams."
Jennings will feature in next month's NRL All Stars match on the Gold Coast.
- AAP
