NRL: Cleary making his mark at new club

Ivan Cleary. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Star centre Michael Jennings believes the influence of new Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has him on track to return to the top of his game after a largely forgettable 2011.

The 23-year-old speedster endured a frustrating NRL campaign, marred by injury, off-field indiscretions and a drop in form that saw him score only one try compared to 16 and 17 in seasons 2010 and 2009 respectively.

Jennings insists his life off the park is now more settled and says faith entrusted in him by Cleary since his arrival had already made an impact.

"I can see changes in me already since Ivan's been here," Jennings said on Friday as he joined a host of fellow Pacific Islands players for a three-day leadership camp in Sydney.

"He's made me more mature by putting a big role on myself within the club.

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"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