Michael Ennis says leaving Canterbury would have been a backward step and signing a new three-year deal is his way of paying back the Bulldogs for making him feel at home.

Although only 26, Ennis has led a nomadic career that started in Newcastle in 2003.

He then went to St George Illawarra for 12 months, before a three-year stint with Brisbane.

The incumbent NSW hooker arrived at the Bulldogs in 2009 and helped take the club from wooden spooners to preliminary finalists.

And he believes coach Kevin Moore can improve him even further as a player.

"The club's made us feel welcome from day one ... I feel like there's an element there that I owe a lot to for what they've done for us and opportunities they've provided for my family," Ennis told reporters on Tuesday.

"I hope (my best football is still to come) ... I think the style of football Canterbury have allowed me to play and how I fit into the team here certainly suits the way I like to play.

"I certainly believe with the staff that we've got, and where the administration is taking this club in terms of our roster and playing facilities, I can't see why I would go backwards by any means."

Ennis is considered one of the premier No.9s in the game and is seen as a future captain at the Bulldogs.

Moore is delighted to have retained his services.

"I'm ecstatic, it's a great signing for the club," Moore said.

"Michael's one of the top players in the game, certainly in the last two years at the Bulldogs he's developed into one of the best No.9s ... and from my point of view he's the sort of leader you want around at the club."

Ennis' decision to stay comes hot on the heels of Test centre Josh Morris committing his future to the club, and also big-money signings in New Zealand forwards Frank Pritchard and Greg Eastwood as well as Manly halfback Trent Hodkinson.

Moore said the club was still trying to secure Jamal Idris on a long-term deal - the centre is being linked with a move to Newcastle.

"(Negotiations with Idris) are ongoing," Moore said.

"But I think that's what's important about today ... I think it's a great vote of confidence in the direction that the club is taking.

"We're creating an environment where people want to be here for the right reasons, and I think in Michael's case and Josh's case they want to be here for the long-term and hopefully it will be the same with Jamal."

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