BREAKING: The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have lodged a formal complaint with the National Rugby League (NRL) following an alleged offensive gesture made by Wests Tigers players during their Round 22 clash at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on August 4, 2025.The incident, involving players Samuela Fainu and Brent Naden, reportedly involved a gesture interpreted as deeply offensive.
The Bulldogs allege that fainu and naden directed an Arabic middle-finger gesture towards their players after a play. Fox Sports Australia reported the gesture was witnessed by multiple individuals and has sparked significant controversy within the league.
The complaint comes as the Bulldogs prepare for upcoming matches, with concerns surrounding the fitness of young halfback Lachlan Galvin. Former NRL player Braith Anasta, speaking on NRL 360, indicated Galvin has been named in the extended squad but may not play due to a suspected fracture in his hand.
“They’ve named him at seven although I’m hearing he won’t play,” Anasta stated. “There is a chance of him playing.”
Anasta emphasized the potential impact of a hand fracture on a halfback’s performance. “I probably wouldn’t be rushing him back in if there’s a fracture there. I’d be giving him a week or two off.”
he explained the challenges a fractured hand presents for a player in that position. “It’s uncomfortable, as a half, you’ve got to catch, pass. Tackling on the edges. Not being able to grab like you usually can. It does impact your game and it does impact it more as a half.”
BACKGROUND: The NRL has a strict code of conduct regarding player behavior, both on and off the field. Offensive gestures and unsportsmanlike conduct can result in fines,suspensions,and other disciplinary actions. The league has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years regarding player conduct and maintaining a respectful surroundings.
CommBank Stadium,located in Sydney Olympic Park,has a capacity of 30,000 spectators and is a frequent venue for high-profile NRL matches. The Wests Tigers and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are both historically significant clubs in the NRL, with a long-standing rivalry. The Bulldogs last won a premiership in 2004, while the Tigers last achieved the feat in 2005.
