Michael Ennis

Flanagan still unsure how to replace Ennis

An abrasive character on the field, Ennis was in many ways the final ingredient the Sharks needed to become winners in their 50th season and his impending absence from the team for Round 1 has left Flanagan with a number of options to siphon through.

Head-to-Head: Smith v Ennis

The Storm have scored 101 tries so far this season, five less than the Sharks who have scored 106 tries. However the Storm have conceded just 55 tries this season compared to the Sharks allowing 75 tries.

The two No.9s are set to have a big impact on the decider. Who will come out on top?

Cronulla Sharks hooker Michael Ennis escapes shoulder charge sanction ahead of NRL finals

Ennis took out Green in the lead-up to Cheyse Blair's try in the Storm's 26-6 victory at AAMI Park.

Ennis floored Green with what appeared to be a marginally late shoulder charge after he had passed the football.

Green stayed down for a few minutes and was attended to by Storm medical staff but recovered to play out the match.

Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan said post-game that he had spoken to the 32-year-old and believed Ennis would be in the clear which would be a huge boost for the Sharks given his form and experience.