NRL boss Todd Greenberg says Michael Ennis is simply misunderstood, despite being regarded by many as one of the biggest pests in the league.
Greenberg, who played a key role in luring Ennis to the Bulldogs in 2009 when he was CEO of the club, told the Daily Telegraph that the 32-year-old is one of the best people he has ever dealt with in Rugby League.
“I think Michael is a great competitor, a great footballer, father and husband. He’s made of the right stuff,’’ Greenberg said.
“It’s great to see him playing his last game on grand final day. It’s a fitting reward for him and his career.
“I was instrumental in signing Michael in the middle of 2008 and he joined the Bulldogs in 2009. I formed a very strong friendship with his wife and four children.
“I think very highly of him. I think he’s quite misunderstood.
“He plays it pretty tough on the field, but off it you wouldn’t meet a better person."
However, Greenberg admits Ennis may regret his part in some of the on-field skirmishes which have caused backlash from fans.
“Some things on the field I’m sure he wishes he could take back sometimes. But he’s a competitor on the field, and for the fans of the club he plays for, they’ll love him, and the fans he’s playing against will dislike him.
“He and I had a lot of conversations about him and his maturity levels, and the way he plays the game, but Mick is a smart man, and he’ll make those decisions for himself.”
Ennis will retire after Sunday's Grand Final after 273 games with the Knights, Dragons, Broncos, Bulldogs and Sharks.