NRL: Diving 'is creeping into game'

Sam Moa had plenty to say to Michael Ennis. Photo / Getty Images

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 Bulldogs.

Moa hurled abuse at Michael Ennis as he lay prone on the ANZ Stadium turf just 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. 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," Moa said. "I just said a few nice words, 'get up and get on with it',"

- AAP