Ennis cops one-game ban for high shot

One-game ban for Cronulla's Michael Ennis - but the hooker is set to join NSW in Coffs Harbour.

Michael Ennis of the Sharks

Michael Ennis will miss Sharks' clash with Manly after failing to beat his high-tackle charge. (AAP)

Cronulla hooker Michael Ennis will miss Sunday's clash with Manly after failing to beat a high-tackle charge at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night.

Ennis was charged with a grade-one careless high-tackle on North Queensland winger Matthew Wright in last Saturday's win over the Cowboys.

However the three-man panel of Don McKinnon, Bronson Harrison and Chris McKenna took just six minutes to find Ennis guilty of being careless and he will now be outed for one match.

"We got a good hearing in there, but things didn't go to plan," Ennis said after the hearing.

"(I'm) just disappointed I won't be there on Sunday with the boys. I get back for the St George game in a fortnight."

However the former NSW rake is still expected to fly to Coffs Harbour on Thursday morning to join the Blues camp as cover for Robbie Farah in the State of Origin side.

While he was not originally selected by NSW coach Laurie Daley, the Blues will exploit a loophole in the judicial system that will allow Ennis to play should Farah be ruled out.

Ennis refused to answer questions about Origin after the hearing.

"At the moment my focus (on Wednesday night) was all about Cronulla and trying to be available to play there at Brookvale on Sunday," he said.

"It's been a disappointing start to the year and now we're starting to find some form so just really disappointed with the outcome to be honest."

Asked whether he would speak to Daley on whether he would be needed in camp, Ennis said: "I've got no idea to be honest.

"On that side of things, my mindset tonight was just Cronulla and this weekend. I'll get ready to go for St George."

Ennis' defence counsel, Nick Ghabar, argued that Ennis' right pec made first contact with Wright's shoulder and that the resulting whiplash caused Wright's cheek to cop a glancing blow from Ennis' biceps.

"I strongly believe there was nothing else I could have done in this situation," Ennis said.

"I make over 40 tackles a game. Ninety per cent of these would be that style of tackle I make."

However NRL prosecutor Peter McGrath successfully showed the panel that Ennis failed to show a duty of care in the tackle.

"In attempting to make a legitimate tackle, he has allowed the first point of contact to player Wright's head. That certainly is no intention, but he has effected a base careless tackle without a care of duty," he said.


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Source: AAP


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