Dragons coach Shane Flanagan bans Christian Tuipulotu’s ‘show me the money’ try celebration
He’s the NRL’s equal leading tryscorer, but it’s the celebrations from Dragons star Christian Tuipulotu that have stolen the limelight this season. However, it’s left Shane Flanagan unimpressed, with the Dragons coach putting an end to the antics.
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His grab for cash has suddenly become hush money.
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan will ban “show me the money” try-scoring celebrations from animated winger Christian Tuipulotu.
Tuipulotu, off contract after this season, has stolen the limelight by gesturing about money after scoring tries this season, flamboyant gesturing which hasn’t pleased Flanagan.
“He won’t be doing them again, trust me,” Flanagan said. “He will be told (on Wednesday), don’t you worry. I don’t know where it’s coming from but it won’t be happening anymore. We’ll address it.”
This masthead has been told Tuipulotu was told to pull back on his try-scoring revelry after round one but it continued again in round two.
But that’s where it will end.
Flanagan will now step-in and tell Tuipulotu to shut down the celebrations and focus fully on his football.
“It’s not required and the energy needs to be put back into other parts of his footy,” Flanagan said.
“We love his enthusiasm but it has to be directed into the right place – that’s to the team, not the fans.”
Tuipulotu scored three tries in round one against Canterbury at Kogarah - he also ran for 176 metres - and then crossed again in round two against Souths in Wollongong.
He is the NRL’s equal leading tryscorer.
Aside from his money-centric gesture, Tuipulotu has also made a “make it rain” signal to the crowd after a try.
It is unknown why he is expressing himself about money – although he is searching for a new deal in 2026.
Even Flanagan is none-the-wiser.
“I don’t know what it is – I haven’t asked him,” Flanagan said.
It appears Tuipulotu’s actions excite the crowd with teammates also encouraging him to celebrate a try in style.
Strangely, Tuipulotu was essentially introverted last year at Saints and during his three seasons at Manly and one-game stint at the Roosters.
St George Illawarra has a bye this round before a huge round four game against Melbourne at Kogarah.
Tuipulotu’s “show me the money” gesture in round one surprised Fox League commentator Michael Ennis.
“It’s an interesting celebration when you’re down by 18 (points),” Ennis said.
Dragons teammate Damien Cook was also unsure what Tuipulotu’s celebrations meant but did add: “He does bring the energy around the locker room. He’s a character of the game and we love him and that’s why the fans love him.”
After a 0-2 start to the season, and a lost opportunity to defeat Souths, Flanagan said his side must start posting competition points.
“We have to react next week,” Flanagan said.
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Originally published as Dragons coach Shane Flanagan bans Christian Tuipulotu’s ‘show me the money’ try celebration
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