After eight years wandering around the NRL like a lost puppy, Bulldogs hooker Michael Ennis has finally found a team he can call his own.

While the Bulldogs have veteran halfback Brett Kimmorley calling the shots, it is quickly becoming apparent that as Ennis goes, so go the `Dogs.

That was certainly the case against South Sydney on Monday night when Ennis almost single-handedly dragged his side to victory.

He set up both his side's tries and almost scored the match-clincher himself before booting the long-range penalty goal which eventually separated the two sides.

And all this with Kimmorley struggling with a badly corked leg.

"Over the last two years I've really figured out what sort of player I am," Ennis said.

"I've been given the opportunity to hold down a hooker spot without any injuries and I've been able to build my game.

"I think by doing that people around you get confidence in you and you're able to build combinations.

"Noddy's pretty good about sharing the responsibility.

"He's probably a bit misconceived, when the cameras are on him on the field he's always chit-chatting, he actually shares the role with me and he's pretty comfortable with that.

"We're finding a balance there."

It's a balance that hasn't always been open to Ennis.

When he burst onto the scene with Newcastle in 2003, he was forced to play second fiddle to Danny Buderus and Knights legend Andrew Johns.

A move to St George Illawarra in 2005 didn't see too much change, with the Dragons then undoubtedly Trent Barrett's team.

In Brisbane from 2006-08, it was Darren Lockyer calling the shots, with halfback Peter Wallace's emergence last season further cramping Ennis' opportunities to make an impact.

But at the Bulldogs it appears Ennis has finally found his team, his combination with Kimmorley helping the Bulldogs to four wins from their opening five games.

It's a record that would have them in the top four if not for a two-point deduction for fielding an extra player against Penrith in round two.

Ennis' start to the season has been so strong it has propelled him into State of Origin calculations as a candidate for the No.9 jumper which seemed destined for Robbie Farah following Buderus' NRL retirement.

But for now Ennis has his sights set on a Country Origin jumper for the annual clash with City.

That match is shaping as a one-on-one shoot-out between Ennis and Farah, with the winner likely to be rewarded with a Blues berth.

"I'd just like to get a crack at playing for Country, (but) I don't really know what they (selectors) are thinking," Ennis said.

"I set goals at the start of the year that I really wanted to get off to a good start with the Bulldogs.

"If a Country jumper comes along I'd certainly love that and then I'll see what comes off the back of that."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP