Cronulla Sharks hooker Michael Ennis has announced his retirement from rugby league at the end of the 2016 season, breaking the news to teammates at a club luncheon today.
He was expected to renew his contract in the near future for a one-year extension, before hanging up the boots at the end of the 2017 season.
With a young family at home and one foot in the broadcasting door already, the 32-year old decided is was better to leave sooner rather than later, opening the door for more young talent to be added to the Sharks’ roster.
The 263-game veteran is in career-best form at the moment, leading the Sharks to top spot and what may be their first NRL premiership. With 15 wins on the trot, this is the Sharks’s best chance in their half a century of history in the top grade.
Born in Coffs Harbour, Ennis plied his trade for five different clubs across an incredible 14-year career, including the Newcastle Knights, who handed him his debut in 2003 as a fresh-faced 19-year old.
He would go on to play Dragons, Broncos, Bulldogs and now the Sharks, racking up an incredible 263 games in the NRL.
He would also play eight Origins for New South Wales during the toughest period of Queensland domination the game has seen.
Having missed out on the Broncos’ 2006 grand final win through injury, Ennis is yet to win a premiership in his esteemed career, but with the Sharks on track to create history, Ennis could very well make his exit on a high.
Even if he doesn’t win the title, he can rest easy knowing he was the only man in history to piss Nathan Hindmarsh off on the field.
Kurt S
Roar Pro
Great career for Ennis... Was always a busy player and willing to put in the effort. Is a natural leader. I wouldn't be suprised is part of the reason for calling it a day at the end of the season is to try and inspire the Sharks - give them one more push to continue the momentum for the GF. No doubt there are many factors, but he might have just decided that it is going to be this year or never to get the chocolates. It will be good to hear his insights and general commentary for years to come.
John
Guest
Sad to see Mick go just as it seemed like he was moving up another notch. The loss on the pitch is a massive gain in the media. One thing that puzzles me is how his next contract was going to be for 350K for next season but Farah's is 900K, it makes me wonder just how much of a pay cut Farah took initially to get a 900K backend deal.
Tommy
Guest
Ennis was hopeless in representative footy. He is the DCE class. Good at club level but nothing at rep level.
catcat
Guest
Been missed by Dogs supporters since he left the club, and if the Dogs aren't in the final I'd say most Dogs fans will jump on the Sharkies to win and cheer on Michael Ennis one last time.....
Mick
Guest
Now I'm torn. I really like Ennis and would be happy to see him go out a premiership winner. And I feel for long suffering Sharkies fans. But can I stomach seeing Gallen lift the trophy... Probably not...
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Love watching him play. His detractors are living in lala land. Maybe he will return in a cameo role for Glebe next year.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Lockyer has personality it just doesn't come across on TV. He kinda reminds me of the Italian Stallion. Not a TV guy.
SewingMachine
Guest
Totally agree..In particular Laurie's lost opportunity in this year's Origin.. I've loved watching Ennis play..the weekends won't be the same.. Great player going out playing great..only a few get to do that.. I hope he ends with a deserved premiership..
Woodhouse
Guest
Don't wish that on the Sharks, Christ. Farah should take note of Ennis retiring and follow suit. He's just a washed up has-been whose best days are behind him. He's an embarrassment to the Tigers, and to NSW
no one in particular
Roar Guru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0N7eZMXZM0
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Congratulations Mick on a brilliant career! An absolute legend of the game both on and off the field. I hope for his sake he goes out with a premiership. I'm hearing Manaia Cherrington is headed to the Shire. Would be a handy replacement.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Isn't that Creagh
jamesb
Guest
Actually there will be another Tiger joining the Sharks. Manaia Cherrington has signed a 2 year deal according to James Hooper on Twitter.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
He did hide behind a team mate when things got physical in Origin
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
I agree Andy, Ennis has been on MMM lately and has been great. I find Wendell incredibly annoying - he doesn't add much apart from being the buffoon.
up up cronulla
Guest
Cue farrah to the sharks where tigers finnish theyre career....shudder!!
AGO74
Guest
I prefer Kent on NRL 360 to his print version. Ben Ikin helps keep him in check.
jamesb
Guest
With the NRL channel beginning on Fox next year, I'm sure we will see Ennis there is some capacity. He can be your worst nightmare on the field, but off the field, he seems like a gentleman.
Woodhouse
Guest
My sentiments exactly Kaks. As a sharks fan, I'll miss him immensely, but I always loved hearing him talk off field as well, he's incredibly articulate.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Thanks for the entertainment Mick - you will be missed. I had your name all over that Blues jersey this year. The selectors should have gone to Spec-Savers