Ennis' sixth season in the blue and white ended on the sidelines on Sunday night with the Cronulla-bound hooker missing the game because of an ankle injury.

He wore his No.9 jersey and hobbled to take his spot on the interchange bench with the aid of crutches.

Ennis said was crushed as he watched his team surrender 30-6 against the Rabbitohs.

"I'm shattered for the boys, they deserve better than that, they tried so hard," Ennis said. "When they got back to 6-all it was anyone's. George Burgess' try and they got the momentum back.

"It was awful [watching on]. Absolutely awful. I'm so proud of what they've achieved. To be so courageous in their defeat. It was really good. Obviously [I have] an empty feeling."

It will be the second time injury has cruelled Ennis' premiership chances; he missed Brisbane's 2006 grand final after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament earlier that season. Ennis described his week as a "blur", having been unable to return to the field after half-time in Canterbury's preliminary final win against Penrith.

"I don't really know what happened," Ennis said. "You work so hard with these blokes and I would have loved to have been out there tonight. I'm just blessed to play for the club and play as many games as I have and make the friends that I have. I leave here with four healthy kids and a wife, so I can't complain."

The Bulldogs struggled for cohesion in Ennis' absence after he failed a wishful fitness test on Saturday. Fill-in hooker Moses Mbye was brave playing in the uncharacteristic dummy-half role, topping the tackle count with 44.

Teammate Josh Reynolds said it was "torture" watching Ennis battle this week.

"I know what he would've wanted to do to be part of this team," Reynolds said. "There are so many emotions for myself and the boys because we all wanted him there because he is such an inspiration. Moses stepped up, but it's hard. You're not losing a player; you're losing a great guy and an inspirational leader."

Ennis joined Canterbury for the 2009 season and went on to captain the club in 2012 following Andrew Ryan's retirement. He joins the Sharks – his fifth NRL club – on a two-year deal.

"It's bizarre," Ennis said of no longer being a Bulldog. "I'm really looking forward to my new adventure at Cronulla. It's been a wonderful time here, it's such a great club. I thanked everyone as soon as the game was finished. Not only have they lived up to everything they said they would when I met Todd Greenberg and Kevin Moore back at the end of 2008. They've looked after my family and myself more than I could have ever imagined.

"It'll always hold a special place with me. I've got plenty of friends and built some wonderful relationships. It's a special, special place.

"Hopefully I'll have some success at Cronulla."