From the SMH:
Sea Eagles and Dragons in tug-of-war for premiership winner
August 22, 2023 — 1.47pm
The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and St George Illawarra Dragons are vying for the services of former Cronulla premiership-winner Michael Ennis to join their coaching staff as an assistant next season.
Ennis has spoken to both clubs about the prospect of becoming a full-time assistant coach for the first time in his post-playing career and could be on the move at the end of the season.
Manly had expressed interest in luring Blake Green back to the club as an assistant coach. Green, an assistant at the Knights, had been earmarked as a likely replacement for Flanagan when it seemed likely that Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien’s days were numbered.
With O’Brien cementing his future
on the back of seven straight wins, Green is expected to remain at the Knights and attention has now turned to Ennis.
Flanagan has also reached out to the 39-year-old, who he coached for two seasons at the Sharks in 2015 and 2016.
Michael Ennis and Shane Flanagan could be reunited at the Dragons.CREDIT: GETTY
He has already appointed Dean Young, who is Todd Payten’s No.2 at the North Queensland Cowboys, as his defence coach next year.
Flanagan could be on the lookout for a new attack coach given interim coach Ryan Carr has been sounded out about a potential job with Benji Marshall next year.
If Carr decides to join Marshall as his assistant next year, Flanagan is keen to reunite with Ennis at the Dragons. Ennis played 24 games for the Dragons back in 2005.
Ennis’ name has also been floated as a potential option for the NSW State of Origin head coaching job if incumbent Brad Fittler is moved on or decides to call it a day.
Ennis and Flanagan embrace after the Sharks won the 2016 grand final against Melbourne.CREDIT: GETTY
He previously worked with the NSW under-19s, forming a close relationship with the likes of Tyrell Sloan, Josh Schuster and
the off-contract Bradman Best.
He also works at Fox Sports as a commentator and may have to juggle his media commitments with football.
Ennis, who played 273 games across five different NRL clubs, returned to the Sharks this year in a part-time capacity to head up the club’s elite academy to implement the systems and structures that are being taught by Craig Fitzgibbon at NRL level.
He is responsible for overseeing the development of the dozen or so players aged between 15 and 18 in the club’s elite program.
Josh Reynolds hugs Michael Ennis after what turned out to be his last game for the club, missing the 2014 grand final through injury.CREDIT: GETTY
Part of his job is also teaching the coaches about the way Fitzgibbon wants Cronulla teams to play from Harold Matthews right through to the NRL to help make the transition easier for players.
Ennis has had stints working with the Raiders and Eels since he retired from playing in the NRL back in 2016 following the Sharks’ triumph over the Storm in the grand final.
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Ennis worked with the Raiders attack between 2019 and 2021, contributing towards a grand final and preliminary final appearance during his tenure.
He then joined the Eels in 2022 as the ruck consultant coach, playing his part in the club’s run to the grand final against Penrith.
There could be a number of assistant coaches moving in the off-season. South Sydney coach John Morris has been discussed as a potential assistant for Marshall at the Tigers, who are considering the idea of parting with defence coach David Furner.
Sacked Gold Coast Titans coach Justin Holbrook will also join Trent Robinson at the Sydney Roosters.
www.seaeagles.com.au
www.seaeagles.com.au
