St George Illawarra star Christian Tuipulotu has been ordered to stop his popular yet controversial ‘show me the money’ celebration following a lackluster start to the season for the Dragons.
Despite being the league's leading try-scorer, having netted an impressive four tries from just two matches—including a notable hat-trick against the Bulldogs—Tuipulotu's jubilant expressions of triumph have drawn criticism. Dragons coach Shane Flanagan made it clear that the flamboyant forward's celebrations would need to stop in a statement given on March 19, 2025. “He won’t be doing them again, trust me,” said Flanagan. “I don’t know where it’s coming from but it won’t be happening anymore. We’ll address it.”
The celebration, which debuted in Round 1, occurred again in Round 2 during a thrilling but ultimately fruitless match against Souths, raising eyebrows from fans and commentators alike. “It’s not required,” Flanagan further stated, emphasizing the need for Tuipulotu to channel his energy into the team instead of the fans. “We love his enthusiasm, but it has to be directed into the right place—that's to the team, not the fans.”
Flanagan's sentiments were echoed by former NRL great Andrew Johns, who reflected on the misstep during Round 1. “You can’t be doing this rubbish when you’re down by 18 (points),” Johns remarked on Channel 9's Immortal Behaviour, calling for Tuipulotu to “read the room.” While Tuipulotu’s excitement might resonate well with supporters when the team is winning, the celebrations carry little weight when the Dragons have suffered two consecutive losses.
Michael Ennis, a Fox League commentator, also voiced similar concerns following Tuipulotu’s antics, stating that it was “interesting” to see such celebrations when the Dragons were trailing by a significant margin.
Teammate Damien Cook defended Tuipulotu, highlighting the positive impact he has in the locker room. “He does bring the energy around the locker room,” Cook said. “He’s a character of the game, and we love him—that’s why the fans love him.”
Tuipulotu’s journey to St George Illawarra has seen him grow as a player after stints at the Roosters and the Sea Eagles. With 26 tries to his name in 47 appearances, he has made a significant mark since his debut in 2021. His performance this season has reflected his commitment to the game, even as he navigates contract negotiations.
The Dragons currently find themselves in a precarious situation, having not secured a win thus far this season. With a bye weekend approaching on March 22-23, the team must regroup before facing off against the high-flying Melbourne Storm on March 29, 2025. This crucial match presents an opportunity for Tuipulotu and the Dragons to shift the narrative of their current season.
Looking ahead, a victory against Melbourne could reinvigorate the team and perhaps allow exciting celebrations to return in the future. Until then, Flanagan's directive remains clear: the focus must be on the game—not personal celebrations.
