Christian Tuipulotu revives ‘money man’ celebration in Dragons’ thrashing of Titans

Christian Tuipulotu, the winger for St George Illawarra Dragons, marked his contract renewal by reviving a previously banned celebration following his impressive performance in the team’s victory over the Titans.

However, his evening took a turn when he exited the field early due to a hamstring injury, which involved him pushing a trainer in frustration.

Tuipulotu faced backlash in the past for his ‘show me the money’ celebration during contract negotiations, notably when he did it while his team was trailing by 18 points against the Bulldogs.

He repeated the celebration against the Rabbitohs in round two, prompting coach Flanagan to inform News Corp that Tuipulotu was prohibited from doing so. Flanagan later clarified that the winger could celebrate as long as those tries contributed to victories, a celebration Tuipulotu had refrained from since the initial ban.

Following his re-signing, Tuipulotu showcased the celebration again after scoring his second try against the Titans.

Mick Ennis remarked on Fox League, “He’s (Flanagan) got to find some enjoyment in that. I love that … the money man is back.”

However, comments from the commentators highlighted that Tuipulotu had pushed a trainer as he left the field with his injury, with Andrew Voss stating, “He’s a frustrated player because he was having such a good night, but the push on the trainer wasn’t a great look.”

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Tuipulotu was the first to score at Wollongong, granting his side an early lead before the Titans responded with a try from Brian Kelly.

The Dragons then went on to score multiple tries, with Valentine Holmes, Tyrell Sloan, and Kyle Flanagan contributing to a commanding 24-4 lead at half-time.

He added another try right after the break, celebrating once again thanks to a brilliant cut-out pass from Flanagan.

“This is superb ball-playing from Flanagan … I absolutely love that,” Ennis commented.

Sloan followed with another try, and while the Titans managed to score through Phillip Sami, things worsened for them when Brock Gray was sin-binned for a high tackle on Jack de Belin.

Ennis expressed uncertainty about the necessity of a sin bin, saying, “It sneaks up, penalty sufficient, with where things are at he’s in the sin bin unfortunately … he’s tried to bring some intent tonight.”

Even while off the field, Tuipulotu maintained his celebratory spirit when his teammate Dylan Egan crossed the line.

In the end, AJ Brimson added a consolation try for the Gold Coast, but it was the Dragons who walked away with a commanding 38-14 victory.

Looking ahead, the Dragons are set to face Manly on Thursday, while the Titans will go up against the Raiders on Sunday.