NRL: Sharks hooker Michael Ennis to retire at season's end

This season will be Michael Ennis' last. Photo / Getty Images

Michael Ennis has dropped a bombshell on the Cronulla Sharks, announcing his retirement at the end of the 2016 season.

In the best form of his career, the 32-year-old Sharks hooker broke the news to his teammates during an emotional luncheon at midday today.

Ennis, who made his NRL debut with the Newcastle Knights in 2003, was expected to take up a one-year contract extension with Cronulla before retiring at the end of the 2017 season.

However, it's understood Ennis has been mulling over the decision to retire for at least the past six weeks.

It all led to a meeting on Monday with his agent George Mimis and Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan, when the former NSW Origin hooker made the decision to call time on his career.

The desire to spend more time with his young family while pursuing a promising media career with Fox Sports were major factors in the decision.

In a wonderful career spanning 13-years, 263-first grade games and five clubs, including the Knights, Dragons, Broncos, Bulldogs and Sharks, Ennis will now chase a fairytale end to his career; a premiership ring with first-placed Cronulla.