Wests Tigers centre Robert Jennings says he's excited for the clash with his brother Michael on Easter Monday after a whirlwind week that saw him also become a new father.
After picking up a concussion last Thursday in his side's last-minute over the Brisbane Broncos, Jennings raced home on Friday to see his partner give birth over the weekend — capping off a busy few days for the Tongan international.
Now, his full focus is doing a job against his big brother on Monday when Wests Tigers take on the Parramatta Eels at the brand new Bankwest Stadium.
“Hopefully it’s a big one definitely playing out in the new stadium," Jennings said.
"It’s looking unreal — hopefully I’ll get to play and obviously get a win up against them to earn the bragging rights.
Check out the new Bankwest Stadium!
“It’s been pretty quiet actually between my brother and myself. Leading up to a game playing against each other we like to keep quiet until after the game. I think there will be text messages being thrown around after the game so hopefully we can get the win and earn the bragging rights.”
After the side's outstanding victory against the Broncos, Jennings explains why the team will be working on continuing that momentum moving in to this week.
“The atmosphere was amazing with Michael Chee Kam scoring that try, it was unreal," Jennings enthused. "I didn’t make the whole game as I came out early (HIA) but watching the game from inside the shed, there was so much suspense and had me off my seat the whole game.
“Especially being up in Brisbane — it’s tough up there. In front of a big crowd as well, the boys did the job and it was unreal we got the win.
Watch Michael Maguire cheer the winning try!
"Now we need to focus and get the job done against the Eels.”
On Friday night after the game, Jennings became a new father to his daughter, explaining the whirlwind process of making it back home in time for the birth.
“She was in labour from the time I was up in Brisbane, so it was a stressful time on top of being concussed from the game and having to get down straight away to head back home,” said Jennings. “As soon as we got home, we left to go to the hospital and gave birth that Friday night. It’s been a very intense couple of days, but she’s come out all healthy and that’s the main thing. I couldn’t be happier.”
