Sharks’ skipper awake to ‘bait’
CAMERON Smith has made it through 334 NRL games without ever falling for the bait and Melbourne’s captain insists he will not be sucked into stupidity by Sharks pest Michael Ennis.
Ennis is on the hunt for a premiership swan song in Sunday’s NRL grand final at ANZ Stadium and has the opportunity to run amok in what will be his final game.
Regarded as the biggest niggler in the code, Ennis will hang up the headgear following his 273rd NRL game and is hoping to celebrate by delivering Cronulla its first flag.
Many players have fallen for Ennis’s bait, reacting to his constant pestering and giving away penalties in the process.
“That’s just Micky,” Smith said. “I actually get on with him quite well off the footy field. That’s part of the role that he plays in the teams he plays for.
“I’ve played many games against Mick. He’s a competitor. He’s out there to try and do the best for his team, which is to win.”
In 2014 Ennis patted Smith on the head after the Storm hooker made an uncharacteristic error.
The action was met with outrage, some declaring Smith deserved more respect as Australia’s Test captain.
“That’s a long time ago now. That’s all water under the bridge,” Smith said.
“I try to keep my calm. He might try and (bait me) again on Sunday. I’m not too sure.
“My focus is about my team and role in the side. I’m sure Mick is the same.
“We will cross paths at some time in the match. We play the same position, handle the ball regularly and are involved in a lot of tackles.”
Smith himself was criticised in the aftermath of Melbourne’s preliminary final win against Canberra.
He appeared to make contact with the injured knee of Raiders captain Jarrod Croker.
Storm halfback Cooper Cronk defended his Melbourne, Maroons and Kangaroos captain.
“Grand finals drum up different storylines,” Cronk said.
“There needs to be a bit of drama.
“Cameron plays the game fairer than anyone in the competition.” MELBOURNE made Cronulla wait yesterday, so the Sharks are going to return the favour.
Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan revealed he has finalised his line-up for the decider, but opted not to let the opposition know after the Sharks were left twiddling their thumbs at the NRL’s traditional pre-grand final press conference at Sydney’s Opera House.
The Storm arrived 15 minutes late, but will have to wait until an hour before kick-off on Sunday to know the makeup of the Sharks team.
“In my mind, I have (decided). We’ve got another training run (tomorrow). But Joseph Paulo definitely won’t play. I’ll make my mind up on the other two later, as the week goes on,” Flanagan said.
“(Sam) trained well today. He’s ready to go if I need him.”
Sharks skipper Paul Gallen also confirmed he had come through unscathed from a field session earlier yesterday after missing Wednesday night’s Dally M Awards.
Gallen was seen stretching his back as the Sharks waited for the Storm to arrive.