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Friday night footy throws up the dive debate

Sydney Roosters prop Sam Moa has warned the NRL that diving has become a blight on rugby league after Friday night’s fiery encounter between the premiers and Canterbury.

Moa hurled abuse at Michael Ennis as he laid prone on the ANZ Stadium turf just before the Roosters’ goal line on the stroke of halftime in the Roosters 32-12 win, after the Bulldogs skipper was felled in a tackle by the Kiwi international.

The incident sparked a heated confrontation involving a number of players from both teams.

Ennis recovered sufficiently not to be replaced under the NRL’s new concussion rules and the subsequent Krisnan Inu penalty goal cut the visitors’ lead to two points at the break.

After the match Roosters coach Trent Robinson and captain Anthony Minichiello accused Ennis of diving.

Moa said diving had become a worrying part of the game.

“I think you can judge by the players’ reaction in certain games,” he said.

“Players, they know when people are milking it for a penalty.

“It happens in every side, we are keen in our side not to do it.

“It is just frustrating and I think you can see that from the reactions.”

Moa said he was irked at Ennis’ actions.

“At the time I was a bit emotional and it probably looked like I was giving him a serve,” Moa said.

“I just said a few nice words, `get up and get on with it’, because at the time I didn’t think it was a high tackle.

“I was angry because we had a few back to back sets on our line.

“I didn’t intentionally try to get him high, I just tried to tackle him hard.

“I didn’t think personally that it warranted a penalty.

“I didn’t think he was knocked out at the time, hence the anger and the teammates got on the back of it.

“I hope he is alright.

“It was a fiery game and unfortunately those things (brawls) can happen.”

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