Damien Cook, co-captain of the Dragons, has come to the defence of winger Christian Tuipulotu following his controversial try celebrations during their recent match against the Bulldogs. Tuipulotu, 24, had an impressive performance, scoring a hat-trick and recording 176 run metres, the highest for his team. However, with St George Illawarra trailing by 18 points, Tuipulotu’s choice to celebrate his tries drew criticism from commentators, including Michael Ennis, who found it puzzling given the scoreline.
Despite the backlash, Cook chose to focus on the positive aspects of Tuipulotu’s contributions. He acknowledged the winger’s vibrant personality and the energy he brings to the team, saying, “He’s someone who does bring the energy around the locker room and he’s great to have around the place.” Cook maintained that Tuipulotu’s character is valued by both his teammates and fans alike.
The celebrations, which appeared to involve a money-related gesture, sparked speculation about Tuipulotu’s intentions, although it remained unclear who he was addressing. Additionally, Tuipulotu was involved in a tense moment in the first half with Bulldogs player Stephen Crichton, which required intervention from fellow Dragons players to prevent escalation.
As St George Illawarra prepares to face the Rabbitohs next weekend, the team is looking to bounce back from the defeat. Cook, supportive of Tuipulotu, is optimistic that their combination of skills and team spirit will lead to a stronger performance in the upcoming match.