Ennis looking to forget 2010
Bulldogs hooker Michael Ennis says three straight wins will help ease some of the frustration following the toughest season of his NRL career so far.
Despite the thrill of breaking into the NSW State of Origin side this year, Ennis has shared the disappointment of Bulldogs fans who expected their side to be involved in the finals.
"It's certainly been the hardest (season) in my time in the top grade," said Ennis, not far off re-signing with the Bulldogs, his fourth NRL club in seven seasons.
"We've got such a good (playing) roster but it's been a season where there's been very little between to the top few teams and bottom few teams.
"We hurt ourselves and beat ourselves in many games this year which is the most disappointing thing to accept, but there hasn't been a lack of commitment or effort.
"The loss to Newcastle last week was probably our worst effort.
"When you not playing in the finals you want to make sure you go out playing the best footy you possibly can," said the Origin hooker.
"As a club and personally we want to finish the season with three straight wins and that's what we're aiming for.
"Everyone is disappointed but we've got to finish off the year the best way possible and make sure it doesn't happen again in 2011."
The fact the Cowboys board was locked in a meeting to review the side's poor season as the Bulldogs arrived in Townsville was not lost on Ennis.
The Cowboys desperately need a win with their fans losing patience following their nightmare season.
"It's certainly not going to make things easier tomorrow night," said Ennis.
"Most teams have lifted for us this season so we won't be expecting anything less.
"Obviously they're missing JT (Johnathan Thurston) and Luke O'Donnell but they've still got some quality players in the team in Willie Tonga, Matt Bowen, Willie Mason, Aaron Payne, Carl Webb ... there's heaps of players who can hurt you from anywhere.
The Bulldogs thrive on the slick Dairy Farmers surface after grinding out 80 minutes on the slower Sydney pitches.
They've won 10 of their 13 trips to North Queensland and average more points (29) a game at the Cowboys ground than any other NRL venue.
Most players would be looking for the season to end but Ennis says he loves playing no matter what position the team is in.
"Sometimes things like this in your career can really motivate you," he said.
"I had a pretty good run where I played a lot of finals and some rep footy and all of sudden you miss out.
"It's not something I'm enjoying, it's not a good feeling at all.
"But I know it will make me keener next year and this club is renowned for being in the finals and we have to make sure we get back there."
Post a comment about this article
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.