Michael Ennis admits he was “fair game” last week when Manly players delighted in giving the NRL’s premier niggler a taste of his own medicine.

The Canterbury captain dishes out verbal barbs better than anyone in the game, but has indicated he’s just as prepared to cop the blow back when it comes his way.

Ennis was in no mood to talk about his baiting tactics on Wednesday, but conceded he had no choice but to take it on the chin from opposition players.

The Bulldogs skipper was accused of disrespect in the opening week of the finals when he patted Melbourne, Queensland and Australian captain Cameron Smith on the head following a mistake.

So when a bumbling Ennis allowed Manly to square up last week’s semi final at 16-16, Sea Eagles players came from everywhere to ridicule him and a melee resulted in Bulldogs teammate Reni Maitua being marched to the sin-bin.

Asked about the incident, Ennis indicated he had no regrets.

“No, I thought it was fair game to be honest,” he said.

“I put myself in a position to make the play and I didn’t make it. Simple as that.

“You see Foran kick back for Stewart regularly and I read the play well, I just didn’t execute it.

“Then Manly let me know that and my reaction wasn’t to retaliate.

“It was about what I could do for my side in the next nine-and-a-half minutes.

“Fortunately I was able to get myself back into the game and Trent (Hodkinson) got us home.”

Ennis was asked whether Penrith five-eighth Jamie Soward is right to believe he’ll be the next target of the Bulldogs’ hooker’s tactics in Saturday night’s preliminary final.

However, Ennis is clearly growing tired of media innuendo about his approach.

Ennis would much rather go about his business and not be the centre of attention – having copped criticism from commentators such as Peter Sterling and Brett Finch this series for his antics.

“It’s done and dusted,” he said.

“I’d rather the cameras follow on other people but if they’re on me well that’s the way it is.

“I’m just doing what I can do for my team.

“I’m not going to buy into it at all. I’ve got a massive job to do for my team. I know it’s all part of the build-up but I’ve been around too long for that.”