Ennis feels for missing two
FORMER Canterbury skipper Michael Ennis knows firsthand the “empty, hollow feeling” that awaits Cowboys cocaptains Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott on Sunday.
But he insists Cowboys coach Paul Green has made the right call by not naming Scott for the grand final against Melbourne.
An ankle injury suffered in the preliminary finals cruelled Ennis of the chance to lead his side against Souths in the 2014 decider, and he could only watch as the Rabbitohs broke their title drought.
Ennis was yet to win a premiership at the time and was in the final year of his Bulldogs career before he joined Cronulla, helping guide the Sharks to their maiden premiership last year.
The hooker was heartbroken at the time, but said the fact Thurston and Scott had already won a title in 2015 would ease some of the pain.
“The worst feeling is when that two minute bell goes and the team comes together, and you’re not part of the huddle,” Ennis said.
“It’s a real empty, hollow feeling to know you should be right in among it, and leading the side out on grand final day is what you live for as a captain.
“It will be a hollow feeling when they see their boys walk out that door, and they just trail behind.
“But once the game kicks off you fall into that mode of praying your team can get it done, because you’ve seen how hard they’ve worked all year.
“Fortunately for Matty Scott and Johnathan, they did win a premiership a couple of years ago, which eases the burden.”
Ennis said the fact the duo have been out for some time would also help.
“They’ve had time to get their head around it. I did mine in a preliminary final and it was a bitter end,” Ennis said. “It was my final game for the club. I’d been there for six years and I loved Canterbury. For it to end like that was bitterly disappointing, but looking back it was a great achievement to get there ( from seventh spot).”
It’s been well documented that a young Thurston gave injured Bulldogs skipper Steve Price his premiership ring after he replaced him for the 2004 grand final win over the Roosters.
But Ennis said Green has made the right call by sticking with young rookie Corey Jensen instead of Scott.
Scott was pressing for a comeback after making a rapid recovery from a busted anterior cruciate ligament injury he picked up in round two.
“It’s the right call for mine,” Ennis said.
“If he came out and something goes wrong it’s another six months, if not career ending for him.
“There’s so much risk in- volved. I think it’s great leadership by Paul Green, he’s taking the welfare of Matt Scott into consideration.
“Matt Scott’s one of the best, if not the best, front rowers in the game but it’s important to reward young Jensen, who has been enormous.
“I don’t know if it would have been different had they not won the comp in 2015.
“I dare say Matt Scott probably would have ripped the jumper off Jensen before the game.”
However, Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said he would have rolled the dice.
“I always think grand finals are won with your best players,” Meninga told Fox Sports’ Queenslanders Only.
“I’m surprised Matt Scott isn’t playing. He’s one of the best leaders and front rowers in the game.
“I reckon your first game ( back) is often your best game. You’re enthusiastic and I don’t think he’d let his football team down.”