CRONULLA Sharks coach Shane Flanagan's quest to get Michael Ennis to his side goes back five years.
Ennis, 30, will make his debut for the Sharks on Sunday against Canberra Raiders at Remondis Stadium, Woolooware.
Ennis almost signed with the Raiders but he lives close to Cronulla's home ground and training base: a major factor in his decision to go with the Sharks.
Flanagan became interested in the tough hooker when played for NSW in State of Origin.
"I was assistant coach to Craig Bellamy when he was in charge of NSW and I admired Michael's professionalism and the way he prepared for games," he said.
"That helped me decide to get him to the Sharks when he became available last year.
"Michael has been a good mentor to the players on and off the field in the trials and training."
Ennis signed with the Sharks for two years after he failed to agree to terms with the Canterbury Bulldogs.
Ennis has played 222 NRL games since being graded in 2003. He began with Newcastle, then played at St George Illawarra before moving to Brisbane Broncos and Bulldogs before signing a two-year deal with the Sharks last July.
Flanagan has named a 19-man squad for the Sunday clash. Veteran Luke Lewis (minor knee surgery) is out until round two and prop Sam Tagataese (torn abdominal muscle) is expected back next week.
Young winger Jacob Gagan (hamstring injury) should be back in round two.
"It's a good squad, we only have three unavailable for selection," Flanagan said.
Mitch Brown returning to the Sharks from the Bulldogs, has won a starting place on the wing. Jayson Bukuya, back from the New Zealand Warriors is in the second row; he had overcome hamstring soreness to play.
Former Dragons back Gerard Beale will play right centre and new Dragons recruit and Australian schoolboy Jack Bird is in the squad to be pruned.
The National Youth Competition under-20s gamebetween the Sharks and Raiders starts at 4.15pm. The main game kick-off is 6.30pm.
SHARKS
Michael Gordon, Sosaia Feki, Gerard Beale, Ricky Leutele, Mitch Brown, Ben Barba, Jeff Robson, Andrew Fifita, Michael Ennis, Matt Prior, Jayson Bukuya, Wade Graham, Paul Gallen (captain). Interchange: Chris Heighington, Tinirau Arona, Anthony Tupou, David Fifita, Valentine Holmes, Jack Bird (two to be omitted).Coach: Shane Flanagan.
