MICHAEL Ennis last night claimed he was provoked into conceding the penalty that probably cost NSW Origin redemption.
The Blues hooker said he punched Queensland's Nate Myles after "two blatant elbows to the head and a punch".
In another twist to the controversy, Maroons captain Darren Lockyer said he asked the refs to watch Ennis after wearing a "cheap shot" from the fiery rake. Referee
Tony Archer penalised Ennis for fighting Myles and moments later Maroons fullback Billy Slater scored to give Queensland a lead they never relinquished.
But Ennis has revealed to The Daily Telegraph why he starting belting Myles during Queensland's dramatic 23-18 win.
"It wasn't a brain snap or anything," Ennis said. "He [Myles] threw punches for no reason.
"Are you supposed to stand your ground and cop it? I thought 'bugger this' and I put it on him. I was underneath and didn't know what was going on.
"It's disappointing because I feel some sort of blame about what happened. But I spoke to my teammates after the game and they made it clear I didn't do the wrong thing.
"They said they would have retaliated in the same way.
"I don't know whether it was right or wrong but I wasn't going to sit there and cop that sort of stuff. I copped two blatant elbows to the head and a punch. You have to stand your ground.
"I wear my heart on my sleeve. I play aggressive and committed and compete as hard as I can.
"I do everything for my teammates. That's what makes the loss hurt because we had fought so hard to get back into the game."
NSW coach Craig Bellamy described the penalty as "costly".
Ennis was astounded when Archer penalised him.
"Tony Archer said I threw the first punch but it was obvious what happened," Ennis said.
"Nate Myles hit me in the face. That's why I reacted.
"I feel I am always on the back-end of Tony Archer's calls.
"I'm surprised people are saying what they are. It was disappointing to give the penalty away and the fact we couldn't defend the set.
"People are quick to criticise. To cop the press from Phil Rothfield [who wrote in yesterday's Daily Telegraph that Ennis should never represent NSW again] was really disappointing."
Myles was unconcerned about the Ennis punch-up.
"My head feels like I've played 10 games," Myles said. "They can flog the hell out of me all they want and I don't really care."
Ennis was not penalised for a late tackle on Lockyer 10 minutes into the game that drew blood near his left eye. "I said to Shayne Hayne: 'There are a lot of arms around our heads, our necks in the tackles'."
