In an unexpected turn of events, the Wests Tigers secured a 28-14 victory over the third-placed Canterbury Bulldogs during a rainy match at CommBank Stadium. While the win shocked fans and analysts alike, the Tigers’ celebrations post-game have sparked controversy.
After Samuela Fainu scored a try in the 70th minute, several Tigers players jubilantly approached a section occupied primarily by Bulldogs supporters. This celebration included a hand gesture known as the “Khod,” which is interpreted in various contexts, but particularly carries offensive connotations in Lebanese and Arabic cultures. Some observers have interpreted it as a taunt that translates roughly to “take that.”
Fainu, his brother Latu, and teammate Brent Naden were notably caught on camera making the gesture, prompting a furious reaction from Bulldogs fans in attendance. Naden later shared a controversial video on social media where he repeated the gesture alongside derogatory comments directed at the Bulldogs, although this video has since been removed.
The Tigers often celebrate tries using a different hand symbol—a claw gesture—introduced since acquiring former Penrith players Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva. The incident has drawn attention not only for the inappropriate celebration but also because it led to appeals for an NRL investigation into the matter from Canterbury officials.
The Tigers’ victory, framed against the backdrop of poor weather conditions, marked a significant upset and incited mixed reactions within the rugby league community, leaving many to ponder the implications of sportsmanship in the heat of competition.