Marshall and Ennis in Sharks’ sights

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CRONULLA has expressed interest for Bulldogs skipper Michael Ennis, as Benji Marshall weighs-up a three-year offer to join the Sharks this week.

While St George Illawarra and Melbourne are in negotiations with Marshall for the rest of this season, Cronulla have firmed as clear favourites to snap-up the failed rugby convert.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Marshall first made contact with the Sharks several weeks ago, reaching-out to close friend and former Wests Tigers team mate Beau Ryan about the possibility of returning to the NRL.

BENJI PLEADS, FIND ME AN NRL HOME

BEAU SAYS BENJI WILL BE A SUCCESS

Benji Marshall of the Blues makes a break. Source: Getty Images

WE ASK EVERY CLUB: WHO WANTS BENJI

It's believed an offer for the final five months of this year, plus the next two seasons, is currently being drawn up, with Sharks powerbrokers confident that Marshall can reignite the team's stagnant attack.

And there's also been recent contact with Ennis's management, who have been attempting to strike a new deal with Canterbury for months.

Ironically, the Ennis stalemate owes to Canterbury's recruitment of rookie Sharks rake Michael Lichaa, who last month agreed to a three-year deal worth in excess of $1 million.

The Daily Telegraph understands Lichaa signed with Canterbury after being told he would only have to play second fiddle to Ennis for one season.

Bulldogs skipper Michael Ennis passes the ball. Source: News Corp Australia

Ennis, however, has publicly stated that he wants a longer term deal to see-out his career.

With Lichaa gone and veteran hooker John Morris expected to retire, Cronulla shapes a perfect fit given Ennis would prefer to remain in Sydney.

Expecting their fourth child, the family has also been searching for a new home in the Sutherland Shire of late.

After losing his NSW Origin jersey to rival hooker Robbie Farah two years ago, Ennis has embarked on a form renaissance that peaked with his tremendous tackle on rampant Rabbitohs hardman Sam Burgess last Friday.

He is also considered the favourite to replace Farah in the NSW side, would the Blues incumbent not overcome an elbow injury in time for Origin I.

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CODE FLOPPERS: WHEN CAREER CHANGES GO BAD

MARSHALL ASKS BLUES FOR RELEASE

Cronulla insiders said on Tuesday they were hopeful of a decision from Marshall by Friday, clearing the way for the ex-Kiwi International to acclimatise himself in the Shire during next weekend's bye.

Tauber has stressed Marshall's desire to return to Sydney, where he can resume his lucrative television career on Channel Nine's Footy Show.

Marshall and his wife Zoe recently bought a house in Auckland, but Tauber said the new purchase would be no barrier to the couple moving back to Sin City.

Marshall has a host of former Tigers team mates now in the Sharks side, including Bryce Gibbs, Chris Heighington, Andrew Fifita, Blake Ayshford and Ryan.

His manager Martin Tauber is also close to Sharks officials Steve Noyce and Darren Mooney, who also worked at Wests while Marshall starred at Concord.

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BENJI'S NOT A GREAT ATHLETE

The Sharks also hope Marshall's arrival might inspire Todd Carney to greater heights.

Skipper Paul Gallen has publicly aired his concerns about the five-eighth's off-field behaviour in recent weeks, and officials addressed Carney about being sent home from training in poor physical condition two weeks ago.

Should Marshall partner Carney in the halves, regular No. 7 Jeff Robson would be most likely be pushed to hooker and be possibly re-signed as a dummy half option for next year.

Marshall could also line-up in the centres, an area Cronulla has traditionally struggled for impact.

Marshall could also play fullback, making him a candidate to solve Canterbury's fullback dilemma.

It's understood the Bulldogs have discussed Marshall internally, but an offer is not expected to be forthcoming.

Which club would fit Benji Marshall best?

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