MICHAEL Ennis spent Tuesday night helping blow out the candles of his six-year-old son Randy’s birthday cake.

While others would prefer schooners to celebrate an NRL career spanning 13 years, Ennis couldn’t have asked for a more fitting end to his toughest of days.

Nobody outside Ennis’ wife Simone, his agent George Mimis and Cronulla head coach Shane Flanagan saw Tuesday’s decision from the in-form Sharks hooker to retire at the end of 2016 coming.

Ennis with wife Simone, and kids, Jack 9, Kobyfox 7, Randy 6, and Evelyn 2. Source: News Corp Australia

When Ennis phoned teammate Paul Gallen last Saturday to break the news, the Sharks skipper didn’t say much and hung up.

“He rang back the next day to say: ‘Sorry mate, I’m shocked, I didn’t know what to say,’ Flanagan retold.

Down Cronulla way, Gallen’s reaction was a common one.

At a team lunch overlooking Cronulla beach, Ennis stood up and said: “So, this is it boys, I’ve got 10 weeks left in me.’’

At first, Sharks back-rower Wade Graham thought the normally straight-laced Ennis was trying to be funny.

Then Graham looked across the room and noticed the tears welling in Ben Barba’s eyes.

As Ennis spoke, the room began to quickly understand why after five clubs and 263 NRL games, there really was no shock at all.

In knocking back a 12-month contract extension for 2017 from the Sharks worth around $350,000, Ennis spoke with honesty and self-analysis, explaining that as a footballer he had a maximum of 10 weeks including a grand final, left in him, but after that, it was time to be a father.

“The decision came because it gets to the point where I’ve got a beautiful wife and four children sitting there and to have to say no — no I can’t take you to the park because dad has to stay home and ice his leg or we can’t go here today because I’ve got training tomorrow,’’ Ennis, 32, said.

“It got to a certain point where I needed to make a decision and it’s time to be a dad.

“I love the game, I always will. I love my relationship with my teammates and the people that run the football club, but it’s time to be honest and that was today.’’

Michael Ennis has been in superb form for the Sharks. Picture: Wesley Monts Source: News Corp Australia

In the best form of his career this year, with many believing he should’ve been chosen as the NSW Origin hooker, Ennis’ game has taken on a new lease of life since joining the Sharks from Canterbury last year.

One of the game’s best nigglers, Ennis plays at an intensity unrivalled — and loathed — by many.

But in the end, it’s that level of focus Ennis didn’t want to shortcut.

Graham, Barba, Andrew Fiifta, Valentine Holmes and Nu Brown were among the Sharks players who watched and listened as Ennis spoke to the press.

Undoubtedly, they would’ve had the thought of giving Ennis the one thing he is yet to achieve — an NRL premiership — on their mind.

Sharks Coach Shane Flanagan speaks as Ennis announces his retirement. Source: News Corp Australia

“I feel like I’ve got the remainder of this year in me, where I can really give what you see I give on the field,’’ Ennis said.

“What this does, it gives me a great opportunity with this side to pour all my energy into what I haven’t achieved in the game.

“We’ve put ourselves in a position where we can really improve on our game and it gives me great excitement that we can give it a real shake.

“It’s funny, after this long and with this decision made, I’ve got a shot at the one thing I’ve always wanted my whole career.’’

MICHAEL ENNIS’ CAREER TO DATE

Newcastle Knights (2003-04): 20 games

St George Illawarra Dragons (2005): 24 games

Brisbane Broncos (2006-08): 42 games

Canterbury Bulldogs (2009-14): 136 games

Cronulla Sharks (2015- ): 41 games

Representative career

Country Origin (2009-13): 3 games

NSW (2009-15): 8 games