Former Sharks and Bulldogs star Michael Ennis is reportedly eyeing a future as an NRL head coach and had been identified by Manly CEO Tony Mestrov as a potential successor to current head coach Anthony Seibold.
Seibold is contracted with the Sea Eagles until the end of the 2027 NRL season but has expressed interest in transitioning into a management role once his current deal concludes.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Ennis is expected to leave Manly at the end of the season after rejecting a one-year contract extension.
The report suggests the former premiership winner is seeking an assistant coaching role with more responsibility, with St George Illawarra already emerging as a strong contender.
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The Dragons are in the market for an assistant coach to replace Ryan Carr, who will take charge of Super League side Castleford next season.
Ennis’ ambitions to climb the coaching ranks likely mean he will need to scale back, or step away from his Fox League media commitments.
However, St George Illawarra is not the only club interested in bolstering its coaching staff. Ennis’ former club, Cronulla, also has an opening following the departure of Josh Hannay, who has been appointed as Gold Coast’s head coach for 2026.
Ennis, a key figure in the Sharks’ historic 2016 premiership triumph, would be a popular choice among Cronulla fans.
Additional assistant coaching vacancies are expected across the league, with the Cowboys reportedly seeking candidates to join Todd Payten’s staff.
Meanwhile, Penrith will also be on the hunt for a replacement, as assistant coach Ben Gardiner departs at season’s end to begin preparations with the Perth Bears, who will enter the NRL in 2027.