Michael Ennis of the Sharks looks on during the round 16 NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the New Zealand Warriors at Southern Cross Group Stadium on June 25, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)

NRL boss Todd Greenberg says Michael Ennis is simply misunderstood, despite being regarded by many as one of the biggest pests in the league.

Greenberg, who played a key role in luring Ennis to the Bulldogs in 2009 when he was CEO of the club, told the Daily Telegraph that the 32-year-old is one of the best people he has ever dealt with in Rugby League.

“I think Michael is a great competitor, a great footballer, father and husband. He’s made of the right stuff,’’ Greenberg said.

“It’s great to see him playing his last game on grand final day. It’s a fitting reward for him and his career.

“I was instrumental in signing Michael in the middle of 2008 and he joined the Bulldogs in 2009. I formed a very strong friendship with his wife and four children.

“I think very highly of him. I think he’s quite misunderstood.

“He plays it pretty tough on the field, but off it you wouldn’t meet a better person."

However, Greenberg admits Ennis may regret his part in some of the on-field skirmishes which have caused backlash from fans.

“Some things on the field I’m sure he wishes he could take back sometimes. But he’s a competitor on the field, and for the fans of the club he plays for, they’ll love him, and the fans he’s playing against will dislike him.

“He and I had a lot of conversations about him and his maturity levels, and the way he plays the game, but Mick is a smart man, and he’ll make those decisions for himself.”

Ennis will retire after Sunday's Grand Final after 273 games with the Knights, Dragons, Broncos, Bulldogs and Sharks.

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