Ennis, who has a strong relationship with Ricky Stuart from their time together at Origin level, was also courted by Canberra, but his signature came down to a race in two. The 32-year-old is highly regarded at Canterbury but they could not compete with the money on offer from the Sharks.

Ennis has been one of the key figures behind Canterbury's resurgence, playing 121 of his 207 NRL games at the ''Family Club''. Most of them have been as skipper, although coach Des Hasler appointed Frank Pritchard as co-captain this season. Pritchard has been sidelined through injury for much of the year and it remains to be seen whether Hasler will appoint another captain for next year's campaign.

News that he is moving on is likely to come as a shock to Ennis' Bulldogs teammates, who were hoping he would stay put. The former Knights, Dragons and Broncos hooker is considered one of the most competitive players in the NRL and has been described as a mentor by NSW half Josh Reynolds.

Ennis himself has represented the Blues on seven occasions and was a frontrunner to add to the tally if Robbie Farah had not overcome injury in time for Origin I.

The development is likely to strengthen the resolve of his Canterbury teammates to send him out a winner.