Ennis tips top-line No.9s to rise after early adjustment period

Former Sharks premiership-winner Michael Ennis predicts there to be a "bombardment" of six-again calls to open the Telstra Premiership season but expects the top-line dummy halves to eventually rise to the top.

The pre-season trials gave a glimpse into what's to come as teams adapt to a new tempo through the middle but a true reflection of the impact won't be known until midway through the year.

"After talking to a few people over the pre-season a lot of clubs see it differently, which is exciting I think because they'll try and exploit things in various ways," Ennis told NRL.com.

"I think we'll see a bombardment of six-again calls to open the season. I think coaches have worked overtime in the summer on how to handle it because that will be a game-changer.

"Having guys that are able to generate momentum and put referees under pressure to come up with those six-again calls will be a big focus, particularly early in the season when sides aren't fluent in attack.

"You can be stuck in your own half and in the space of 10-15 seconds you're attacking and your mindset changes from looking for a yardage kick into searching for points."

Roosters coach Trent Robinson said on Thursday that teams who could make the changes suit their own style would enjoy immediate success.

"It took some thought from the coaches in November when the season finished and we took the discussion to the players to find out what they thought of it," Robinson said.

"The game changed slightly last year and then they've decided to make some changes again so you have to think about it."

Ennis believes it will take time for the game's elite dummy halves to find their feet.

"We all expected Damien Cook to blow the ruck apart last year but it was quite the opposite," Ennis said.

"While Damien got some opportunities a lot of sides collapsed their defensive line and compressed to handle the fatigue in the big men.

"The space became bigger on edges and that was where I thought Cameron Smith, Api Koroisau and Harry Grant really exposed it."

The Fox League expert tipped Raider Josh Hodgson and Knight Jayden Brailey to finish the season among the game's best No.9's as they make their way back from ACL injuries.

"Unfortunate to be injured but the fact they've been able to plan for 6-8 months will hold them in good stead," he said.

"They've had the ability as natural dummy halves to watch the game from afar."

Changes to a kick going into touch will also see a reduction in scrums, which Ennis believes will now be treated like gold for an attacking side after last year's changes allowed teams to pick where it would be packed.

"It became a real attacking point," Ennis said.

"Most will take the ability to number up and when you've got someone like Kalyn Ponga or Roger Tuivasa-Sheck marking up one-on-one, it's a challenge no defender wants to be in.

"It was refreshing to see and those quality players would've had a good look at it over the summer to make sure they use their opportunities the best they can should one arise."