Michael Ennis backs Jamal Idris to make successful NRL return in wake of interest from Sydney clubs

MICHAEL Ennis has welcomed Jamal Idris’ comeback to rugby league, insisting his signature won’t be a risk for an interested NRL side.

MICHAEL Ennis has welcomed Jamal Idris’ comeback to rugby league, insisting his signature won’t be a risk for an interested NRL side.

Just hours after Idris publicly declared his desire to return to league next season, Ennis told News Limited Australia he’d love to see his former Canterbury teammate don the boots again.

The enigmatic outside back has spent the past year travelling the world, including setting up an orphanage in Ghana.

Idris hasn’t played at the top level since round six last season, but Ennis has no doubts the Auburn-born talent can star on the NRL stage again.

Michael Ennis says Jamal Idris is ‘a real drawcard for the fans.’

“I actually don’t think it’s a big punt for an NRL club to take Jamal on,” Ennis said about Idris, who is currently in discussions with two Sydney-based NRL clubs about a return next season.

“There will be sides willing to take him on for sure.

“You don’t just lose that natural ability. It’s still there, but it’s just a matter of getting in and doing the hard work in training to get himself physically back into shape for the rigorous 26 rounds.

“If he is willing to apply himself then there is no doubt he’ll have success again.”

You certainly can’t deny Idris has a special gift on the football field.

Only problem, the former Bulldog, Titan and Panther has struggled to consistently deliver it throughout the weekly grind of an NRL season.

Ennis says Idris’ meteoric rise from schoolboy star to Test and Origin representative within the space of just three seasons also took a toll.

“Jamal got thrown in at such a young age and he made all those teams so quickly,” he said.

“I think what he has done over the last 12 to 18 months (travelling the world) was really important for what he needed to do.

“But Jamal is a tremendous talent and just lost his way there, in terms of his footy.

“He is just one of those guys with so much natural ability.”

In a world where NRL players face greater scrutiny than ever before, Ennis believes characters like Idris have become a rare breed.

Jamal Idris has spent the last year travelling the world.

It’s why the veteran hooker would love to see his ex-Canterbury teammate make a return.

“We are starting to lose those characters in the game,” he said.

“I think Jamal is certainly one of those characters and he is a real drawcard for the fans and kids.

“I remember when I played at Canterbury all the kids loved him and wanted photos with him.

“He was terrific with the kids and I think the NRL would love to have him back that’s for sure.”

Originally published as Michael Ennis backs Jamal Idris to make successful NRL return in wake of interest from Sydney clubs