Feb 11th, 2019

Feb 11th, 2019

The Raiders have scored a coup by signing former Blues State of Origin hooker and TV commentator Michael Ennis as a specialist consultant coach.

Ennis has quickly established himself as one of the best young minds in the game and worked with the Sharks last season.

A host of clubs were after him for this year and he has decided to work with the Raiders after some sweet-talking from coach Ricky Stuart.

Ennis will help in the coaching of all the Raiders forwards but specifically hooker Josh Hodgson. The Englishman is already rated as one of the best hookers in the NRL and the Raiders are quietly confident that under Ennis’ tuition, his game will rise to a whole new level.

A colourful, controversial hooker during his 250-game plus career for the Knights, Dragons, Bulldogs, Broncos and Sharks, Ennis retired after helping Cronulla win the 2016 title and has made a successful transition into the world of TV.

Michael Ennis after winning the 2016 NRL grand final. (AAP)

SHARKS CEO BECOMES UNTOUCHABLE

There was mail last week that Barry Russell faces the sack from the Sharks after his self-reporting of the club’s salary cap ‘irregularities’ led to the demise of coach Shane Flanagan.

And in one respect it was spot on - some people in high places want Russell gone.

But in reality, Russell is now the safest chief executive in the NRL after he had the courage to put his hand up and admit the Sharks rorted the system.

The NRL simply won’t allow the club to sack him - it would lead to a public relations nightmare - and Russell, a straight-shooter and good bloke, could have the job for many years to come.

EX-KANGAROO TURNS EXECUTIVE

While Russell seems safe, there are a couple of chief executives on shaky ground after league’s summer of turmoil - and a former Kangaroo could be the man to replace them.

Former Sharks, NSW and Australian star Phil Bailey is back in Oz after stints in sports administration in the USA, England and Hong Kong and boasts an impressive resume.

Now a successful business executive, Bailey has worked in administration of the New York Knights, London Broncos and with the US national rugby team.

He was also director of rugby of the Hong Kong rugby club.

“I’ve been exposed to different sports and markets and feel I have something to offer,” Bailey told Wide World of Sports.

“My heart has always been with Sydney and the NRL and I’m delighted to be back after spending several years overseas.”

Phil Bailey playing for Australia in 2003. (Getty)

BULLDOGS RAPT WITH FORMER EEL

The Bulldogs are raving about the progress of one of their budget buys - Australian schoolboy Matthew Doorey.

An edge back-rower, 18-year-old Doorey signed with the club from Parramatta midway through last year and has joined the Bulldogs’ fulltime squad.

The Dogs have such faith in Doorey they put him on a four-year deal - a rare move for a teenager who has yet to play NRL football.

A Kellyville junior, Doorey is in the NSW 18s pathways program and will be one to watch in coming years.