'Win us football games': Dragons coach Shane Flanagan sets record straight on try celebration ban
Shane Flanagan has set the record straight on the try-scoring celebration ban he imposed at the Dragons as the club looks to make their mark on the competition.
The rugby league world was split after learning the Dragons coach had imposed a try celebration ban in wake of Christian Tuipulotu's eye-catching moves.
Tuipulotu caused a stir with his money-making gesture in the opening round against the Bulldogs, which appeared to be a reference to his bid to renew his contract.
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The winger's display was heavily criticised given the Dragons were trailing by 18 points at the time, but it was not enough to stop Tuipulotu from re-using the celebration the following week against South Sydney.
Christian Tuipulotu of the Dragons celebrates after scoring a try Getty
Flanagan admitted that the display was "left-field" for his player as he still continues to work out why he chose to celebrate in such fashion.
"It was really strange from him," Flanagan told Triple M on Sunday.
"It come from left-field, I have no idea."
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Flanagan insisted that he has no concern with Tuipulotu's vibrant energy on-field as he continues to be a valued player and talent to have in the team environment.
But the 56-year-old, who insisted he is not entirely against celebrations, made it clear when he will not tolerate spirited displays from his team.
"He is full of energy. He is loud, noisy, so excited, great to have around training," he said.
"But I just said to him 'you can have as many try celebrations as you like as long they're the ones that will win us football games not when we are behind'.
"If they are scoring tries and we are winning football games, the [players] can do whatever they like. I'm not banning any of them."
St George Illawarra will return to action on Saturday when they face the Eels.
