Cronulla star Jack Bird has endorsed the possible recruitment of Robbie Farah, saying the unwanted Wests Tigers veteran would be a “good asset” to the Sharks.

The out-of-favour Farah was immediately linked with a move to the Shire following Michael Ennis’ shock decision this week to retire at the end of the NRL season.

And Bird, who played with Farah in two State of Origin games earlier this month, said the incumbent Blues rake could be an ideal replacement for the departing Ennis.

“If Robbie came here, I think he’d be a good asset to the team and he’d do his job and put in 100 per cent each week,” Bird said of Farah.

“I did play with Robbie and he’s a good bloke but that’s not up to me if he’s going to come here.

“That’s up to the coaching staff and (CEO Lyall Gorman) and (football manager Phil Moss). If they’re going to go that way, then they go that way.”

Sharks and Blues teammate Wade Graham wasn’t as enthusiastic with the idea, but admitted the 32-year-old Farah remained one of the elite hookers in the game.

“I think it’s a bit too early to be talking about other players. We’re just focused on playing footy and no doubt (coach Shane Flanagan) and the recruitment guys will look after that,” he said.

“Robbie’s a good player. He’s one of the best hookers playing in the game, he has been through his whole career. You always enjoy playing with good players.”

Farah was named to play his second reserve grade game in as many weeks on Saturday however was ruled out of this week’s clash with a calf injury.

Both Bird and Graham conceded they were stunned to learn of Ennis’ desire to pull the plug on his career, claiming the 32-year-old could’ve played on a few more years.

“I thought he was going to go another year. He might’ve gone another two years maybe,” Bird said.

“He probably could’ve played on, but he wants to be a dad and I’m happy for him.”

Graham also supported Ennis’ decision to retire.

“Like everyone who follows the game, ever since Mick has come to the club, he’s played some of the best footy, if not the best footy of his career,” he said.

“It definitely came out of the blue for us, shocked us all. But when you sit down with him and he goes through his reasons behind it, it’s an easy decision to support for him.”