BRISBANE coach Wayne Bennett has labelled Michael Ennis a “pest” and warned Broncos players not to be baited into a brain explosion in today’s blockbuster against the Sharks.
Sharks veteran Ennis is renowned for his niggling tactics and is certain to sledge a depleted Broncos pack missing key duo Adam Blair (suspension) and Andrew McCullough (knee).
The Broncos received a major boost yesterday, with Kiwi Test back-rower Alex Glenn (hip) cleared to play after training strongly at Red Hill.
In the absence of Blair, Bennett will pitchfork Sam Thaiday into the engine room, while Travis Waddell is tipped to start at hooker ahead of Kodi Nikorima to absorb the early exchanges.
But Bennett is wary of the Ennis the Menace and has instructed Broncos players not to buy into a sledging war before an expected sellout crowd at Southern Cross Group Stadium.
“Mick will annoy everybody, that’s just what he does,” Bennett said.
“Our guys know what is coming their way.
“Mick has always been talented, it is quite inspirational what he does. He is always doing his best but we know he will be a pest at different stages.”
The Broncos are one of the few clubs with a winning record on Sharks soil. The ladder leaders are unbeaten in seven years at Cronulla’s home ground, having won their last three games there, including a grinding 10-2 road victory last season.
Rookie 108kg prop Herman Ese’ese retains his place on the bench after his debut against Souths last week and Bennett backed Waddell, a veteran of 73 NRL games, to hold his own against Ennis.
“Travis is a wonderful guy,” he said. “He does everything right at the club here, he has been committed and everything you need from your players.
“I had him at Newcastle with me and he was good for me there and I expect him to be good against the Sharks.
“It’s a good challenge full stop. They are playing pretty good football, they are in the top four and will be keen to get to us playing on their home ground.
“We will miss ‘Macca’ (McCullough) but it gives the other guys an opportunity.”
Bennett yesterday stood by his decision to block his star pivot Anthony Milford playing for Samoa, taking aim at the code’s eligibility rules.
“The international rules are pretty rubbery and while they remain rubbery there will always be moments like this where players are eligible to play but won’t be included in teams because of clubs’ positions,” he said.
“The point with Anthony is that he wants to play for Queensland and Australia, that’s his decision. It’s not injury holding him back.”
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