Wests Tigers Players Under Scrutiny for On-Field Gestures

NRL Integrity Unit Investigates Alleged Taunts Towards Canterbury Fans

The NRL integrity unit has launched an investigation into alleged obscene gestures made by Wests Tigers players towards Canterbury supporters following the Tigers’ unexpected 28-14 victory on Sunday.

Allegations of Offensive Conduct Emerge

Following the final try of the match, several Wests Tigers players were seen making a gesture commonly known as the “khod” – an offensive hand signal within Arabic culture. Among those reportedly involved were Samuela Fainu, Sunia Turuva, Brent Naden, and Latu Fainu, who directed the gesture towards the southern grandstand packed with Bulldogs fans.

Player’s Social Media Post Fuels Investigation

Adding to the controversy, Tigers centre Brent Naden, a former Bulldogs player, subsequently posted a video on TikTok where he made the same gesture and audibly insulted the opposing team. He has since removed the video from the platform.

Bulldogs Fan Base and Club Reaction

The Canterbury Bulldogs boast a significant and passionate Middle Eastern fan base. Following the incident, the club has formally contacted the NRL integrity unit, prompting the ongoing investigation into the players’ conduct.

Pre-Match Tensions and Player Provocation

The alleged gestures followed an incident before the game where star Bulldogs recruit Lachlan Galvin was reportedly verbally abused by a fan on the field. Despite the pre-game tension, which saw a guard of honour for the Tigers players, one spectator allegedly shouted at Galvin, who recently transferred from the Tigers to the Bulldogs mid-season.

Club Questions Security Measures

The Bulldogs organization has privately raised concerns regarding the adequacy of security at the event, especially given the anticipated high emotions surrounding Galvin facing his former teammates for the first time.

Coach Comments on Player Resilience

Throughout the match, Galvin was subjected to jeers from the crowd with every touch of the ball. However, coach Cameron Ciraldo commented post-game that the 20-year-old handled the provocation well.

“Nothing much flusters him. I thought he went out there, he did his job today. I don’t think it rattled him that much. It’s just we got beaten as a team.”

—Cameron Ciraldo, Bulldogs Coach

In professional sports, player conduct is often under intense scrutiny. For example, in 2023, a Premier League footballer received a lengthy ban and fines for offensive social media posts, highlighting the serious consequences of misconduct. (Source: BBC Sport)