Michael Ennis breaks silence on 'tough' Dragons axing after 'disappointing' week
Former Dragons assistant Michael Ennis has opened up on his "disappointing" sacking by the club and interim coach Dean Young.
Ennis only joined Flanagan's staff last September, but was told by Young he would be a victim of the sweeping changes he was immediately implementing.
Ennis was one of Flanagan's closest allies, having played under the former coach in Cronulla's 2016 premiership winning squad.
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Ennis was back on Fox Sports on Thursday night, where he said it had been a "difficult" week.
Michael Ennis has opened up on the 'tough' week that included his own axing from the Dragons' assistant role. Getty
"It was disappointing in the first part," he said of Flanagan's axing.
"Shane and I are obviously very close, and to see how difficult it's been for him as a close friend and a great mentor and a great coach … for me, that was tough.
"And then obviously disappointing after having a conversation with Dean (Young), because I love coaching, and I thoroughly understand that with the position that the club's in and the results they've had, they needed to make some change."
Ennis said he "respects" Young "for the conversations he had".
Dragons assistant coaches Dean Young and Michael Ennis. Getty
"There are some great people at the Dragons and whilst results haven't been there, there's great things happening there," he added.
The Dragons' first match after sacking Flanagan will be the traditional Anzac Day clash against the Roosters. Reports were circulating last weekend the Dragons would hold off sacking Flanagan for another week to avoid taking shine off one of the longest traditions in Australian league.
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Young was quick to make changes. After Ennis was sacked, he also immediately dropped Kyle Flanagan to the bench, making way for Kade Reed to make his debut.
"Shane's certainly got his style and how he went about it, and Dean's been really open about wanting to change some things up he felt needed change," Ennis said on Fox Sports.
"He's been coaching a long time, he's done the interim role before, and he's obviously worked with these players for a long period of time … so he knows them well and he knows what he feels needs to change.
"I'm really looking forward to watching them not only this weekend but the rest of the season.
"I can really do nothing more than to wish them well … I hope Dean does a great job with them, which I'm sure he will.
"I really do wish them well."
