Canterbury have the utmost respect for Melbourne's `Big Three', but Bulldogs skipper Michael Ennis says his side can't get caught up in one-on-one battles in Sunday's NRL grand final.

Ennis will go head-to head with the best No.9 in the game in Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith - one third of a triple Storm threat which also features Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater.

But the personal duel will take a back seat to team-oriented goals for Ennis - despite the Bulldogs rake acknowledging the importance of keeping Smith quiet around the ruck.

"Coming up against Cameron Smith, obviously he's the benchmark in our position and it's always a good challenge," Ennis said.

"I respect Cameron very highly, he's a terrific player and a terrific fellow, so I know I'll need to be at my best in my side and not worry about what Cameron's going to do for Melbourne.

"If you go into a game like this trying to win personal battles, you're letting your teammates down.

"I've got a role to play in this side and I don't think Cameron Smith or your Cooper Cronks or your Billy Slaters are blokes that can be nullified individually.

"They've got wonderful support around them.

"I know they talk about the big three, but there's plenty of other guys in their side that are terrific players."

But Smith, Slater and Cronk seemingly hold the key, with their play having a mesmerising effect not just on fans, but opposition players as well.

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Ennis not focused on personal battle