Injured Canterbury skipper Michael Ennis admits he’ll need a miracle if he is to play in Sunday’s NRL grand final against South Sydney.
Ennis fractured his foot in the Bulldogs’ preliminary final win over Penrith on Saturday, when he played what may have been his last game for the club before switching to Cronulla.
Asked on Monday what his chances were of playing in this year’s decider at ANZ Stadium, Ennis told Sky Sports Radio: “Not great, to be honest.
“The medical staff are covering all bases at the moment.
“To (coach) Des (Hasler’s) credit, he’s such a loyal bloke, he’s been terrific for me – not only as a player, but also as a person and leadership-wise at the club.
“He’s going to give me to the nth degree to get there, but I’m praying for a miracle I think.”
Hasler said Ennis was fighting an uphill battle to recover in time.
“Anybody knows that when you’ve got a fracture in your foot it’s going to be a tough ask, so it’s highly unlikely that he’ll play,” he told Triple M’s The Grill Team.
Young playmaker Moses Mbye and reserve-grade hooker Damien Cook will both be considered to replace the 30-year-old Ennis, who also missed the 2006 grand final due to injury when playing for Brisbane.
NSW five-eighth Josh Reynolds could also be considered in the position in which he started his career.
But Ennis felt Reynolds was best kept in the No.6 jersey.
“If they went with Josh, I think they know that he’s capable,” the former NSW hooker said.
“But for me he’s one of the best five-eighths in the comp and his combination with Trent Hodkinson is vital to our side there.
“It’ll be interesting to see what Des comes up with.”
Hasler gave no hint on Monday as to which way he was leaning.
“We’ll just sit down and see what’s the best fit,” he said.
The Rabbitohs could also be without their star hooker Issac Luke for the showdown after he was charged with a grade-one lifting tackle on Sonny Bill Williams in Friday’s preliminary final win over the Sydney Roosters.
Hasler said the NRL’s match review committee “had to charge” Luke given the standard they’ve set this year in the wake of the devastating tackle on Newcastle’s Alex McKinnon.
“And Souths, rightly so, will fight the charge,” the coach added.
“They’ve got a good argument in there and no doubt they’ll put a good argument forward.”
savva
Guest
well said
The Barry
Guest
He doesn't squeeze balls though.
catcat
Guest
here here
MAX
Guest
The 'Miracle Trail' of the C- BRLFC in its quest for the 2014 NRL premiership is already one of legend. Game after game won by a single point. A ballboy passing instead of placing. Referee imitating a ten pin. The counter attack field goal to rescue a game gone. A veteran opposition fullback brain snap to avoid a line drop out and the draw then dropping into the lap of the hungry Bulldog. Tackle upon tackle to stop the seemingly certain four pointers. The counter attacks drawn from from a well of courage and spirit inspired by a coach who loves and understands his team of gallant men. The ability to win the tough one without the guiding hand of an injured skipper and face his absence for the biggest one in the GGOA. I love C- B RLFC. One more visit to the 'Miracle Well' May the Football Gods of Rugby League be with us.
jacksyd
Guest
I don't care where Reynolds plays, as long as he's on the field Souths are morals. He is the most overrated, biggest 'tool' in the game.
The Barry
Guest
He'll be running around in circles though if they put it on one foot... :)
Elma Dudd
Guest
Reynolds played a lot of his earlier footy at hooker , it's an important position and I doubt Des would risk someone inexperienced in such a vital spot , they need to be fed effective ball . Didn't they play trex at 5/8 through origin and he went alright . Maybe they will put a whole pack of the "man rage " micro chips on Ennis's foot and he will not only play but kick ass all day :-)
The Barry
Guest
The dogs right side attack is so important to them and most of that starts with Reynolds running off the back of Graham and releasing his outside men. I just wouldn't risk disrupting that. Graham and Reynolds combine so well as do Reynolds/Jackson/Lafai.
Elma Dudd
Guest
Reynolds will play hooker and TRex to 5/8 . And another forward on the bench.
The Barry
Guest
Maybe...but I think we'll need every one of those forwards off the bench. I don't think we have the luxury of picking a back up hooker option. I haven't seen much of Cook. He played ok earlier in the year but it was when the dogs were struggling and if I remember correctly he had Ennis at 7 and Jackson at 6.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
I'm hoping Cook into Hooker, Mbye on the bench. That way if Cook isn't panning out (Though he did ok in his appearances at hooker this year), or we want to change things up, we can bring on Mbye and move Reynolds into hooker.
The Barry
Guest
All I need is a miracle, all I need is you...