Andrew Johns admits there’s a “fine line” for coaches when it comes to dulling players with big personalities, in the wake of Christian Tuipulotu’s try celebration being banned.
The hulking winger has been in tremendous individual form to start the season, crossing for a hat-trick against the Bulldogs and adding another try against South Sydney.
Tuipulotu has celebrated in controversial fashion for a few of his tries, making money gestures and raising his arms.
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It has caused an issue for coach Shane Flanagan given Tuipulotu’s actions have yet to help the Red V score a victory, leading the coach to ban the player from doing the celebration.
Christian Tuipulotu celebrates a try in round one. Getty
The hard-line stance from the premiership-winning coach was made public during the same week Flanagan also refused to support under-fire halfback Lachlan Ilias – but according to Johns, banning the winger’s antics was the right call.
“Look, if you win a big game and there’s a real big moment and you ice the game … I can understand it then,” Johns said on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour.
“In round one, they were behind by 18 and I was like Christian, what are you doing mate? Read the room. You can’t be doing this rubbish when you’re down by 18.”
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However, the legendary halfback did admit coaches need to be careful how they deal with players such as Tuipulotu, who has been dubbed the ‘hype man’ in Wollongong.
“It’s a fine line,” Johns said.
Christian Tuipulotu during the side’s round two loss against Souths. Getty
“He’s obviously extroverted and that’s his personality. You don’t want to stop that, but also you don’t want to bring unwanted pressure on yourself and the team.
“[He has to] wait for the right moments.”
Tuipulotu has scored 26 tries in 47 first grade games since making his debut for the Roosters five years ago, before spending three seasons with Manly.
St George Illawarra have the bye in round three, before taking on title heavyweights Melbourne on March 29.
