Premiership-winning Cronulla Sharks hooker Michael Ennis has likened the Sydney Roosters to the 2016 Sharks saying the Tricolours’ engine room will go a long way to determining whether they can win the title.

Writing in this week’s Big League magazine, Ennis believes props Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Dylan Napa are vital to their hopes with the Roosters and Sharks locking horns this Saturday in Gosford.

“I see a lot of similarities between this year’s Roosters team and the Sharks of 2016,” says Ennis.

“We were up towards the top of the ladder and our attack was really sharp at times. For one reason or another we didn’t start too well, but we had enough firepower to get the job done.

“The key for the Roosters is keeping Dylan Napa and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves fit. The two props are vital to their premiership hopes, but they also have a lot of depth.

“Zane Tetevano and Nat Butcher are ready-made replacements if needed. Butcher, even though he has only played two first grade games, is good enough to play regular NRL at a number of other clubs.”