Andrew Johns has acknowledged the delicate balance coaches must strike when managing players with vibrant personalities, especially following the ban on Christian Tuipulotu’s try celebration. The robust winger has had an impressive start to the season, scoring a hat-trick against the Bulldogs and adding another try versus South Sydney. However, his celebrations—characterised by money gestures and triumphant arm raises—have raised eyebrows.
Coach Shane Flanagan’s decision to prohibit these antics stems from the fact that, despite Tuipulotu’s individual brilliance, the Red V remains winless, creating tension within the team dynamic. Johns expressed that while celebrating is part of the game, context matters. He remarked during an episode of Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour, "If you win a big game and there’s a real significant moment, I can understand celebrating. But in Round One, when you’re down by 18 points, it’s not the time for such gestures."
Johns, however, cautioned against stifling the exuberance that players like Tuipulotu bring to the game. He described him as a ‘hype man’ for the team, highlighting the importance of allowing players to express their personalities without imposing unnecessary pressure on them or the squad. "It’s a fine line," he noted, indicating that Tuipulotu should be mindful of finding the right moments to celebrate.
Since his debut with the Roosters five years ago, Tuipulotu has made a significant impact, amassing 26 tries across 47 first-grade matches before moving to Manly and now St George Illawarra. The Dragons face a bye in round three and will return to action against the formidable Melbourne Storm on March 29. As they strategise for future games, the team’s ability to harness personality while maintaining focus on performance will be crucial.