'Character of the game': Dragons skipper defends Christian Tuipolotu over 'interesting' try celebration

Dragons co-captain Damien Cook has defended winger Christian Tuipolotu after his "interesting" try celebrations on Saturday evening.

The 24-year-old scored a hat-trick in St George Illawarra's loss against the Bulldogs, while also proving a handful out of yardage, with a team-high 176 run metres.

However, during the second half and with the Red V trailing their old rivals and time running out, Tuipolotu opted to celebrate on two separate occasions.

READ MORE: 'Unstoppable' Trbojevic stuns Cowboys in round-one rout

READ MORE: Schmidt urges resurgent Aussies to maintain the rage

READ MORE: Payten's ultimatum to players with 'dumb' acts under fire

"Interesting celebration when you're down by 18," Michael Ennis said on Fox League.

"The paper's out again. He gets a hat-trick here at Kogarah."

It appeared to be a money-centric gesture from Tuipolotu, but there was no clear indication who the Tongan international was directing his celebration towards.

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Quizzed on the antics during his post-game press conference, Cook refused to be critical of Tupolotu and instead praised the powerful try-scorer for his energy.

"No [I don't know], but he's someone who does bring the energy around the locker room and he's great to have around the place," the dummy-half said.

"He's always positive, he's a character of the game and we love him and that's why the fans love him."

Tuipolotu was also involved in a heated first-half incident with Bulldogs star Stephen Crichton, but was pulled away by Dragons teammates before it went too far.

St George Illawarra will look to bounce back next weekend against the Rabbitohs.