06-08-2025
NRL gets Wests Tigers ‘khawd' punishment right
The NRL gave the Wests Tigers and their players exactly what they deserved for using the 'khawd' or 'khod' gesture at the weekend - a slap on the wrist.
This wasn't the crime of the century. It didn't deserve a meaty suspension or heavy fines. Certainly, in the case of the three players who used it in the heat of the moment after Samuela Fainu scored the match-sealing try at CommBank Stadium, there was no need to drop the hammer.
It was an emotional game and abuse was flying in both directions. Tigers players were savaged all day by Bulldogs supporters. Tigers captain Jarome Luai was loudly jeered even before the game began.
The appearance of Lachlan Galvin against his former club meant the game would always be played on the knife's edge. Against that backdrop, a few players got a little carried away and made an Arabic gesture after Fainu and his teammates celebrated a moment that moved them out of wooden spoon contention and confirmed their improvement this season.
Their celebrations went a little too far, although others have pointed out in recent days that the 'khawd' can have different meanings depending on the circumstances.
In no way am I condoning what they did given the crowd behind the goalposts where the try was scored was littered with women and children.
But you need to read the room and the NRL have. They handed out warnings for the on-field action and have taken a dimmer view of Brent Naden's actions afterwards, when he took to social media to repeat the gesture in a private message using some colourful language for effect.
Naden had time to think about what he did. It wasn't in the heat of the moment. It was a calculated decision, albeit a private one that found its way into the public domain. He deserved a whack from head office.
As for the others, play on. Most people I have spoken to about the gesture have taken little offence. Most didn't even realise what the Tigers players were doing. I certainly didn't.
Clearly, not everyone is as sensitive as Balmain legend Benny Elias who described the hand sign as an 'ugly form of hatred'.
The sense I get is that Elias is in the minority. The NRL clearly agree. Brent Read Senior Sports Writer
Brent Read is one of rugby league's agenda setters but is also among the nation's most well-known golf writers. He also covers Olympic sports, writing with authority, wit and enthusiasm. Brent began his career in sport as a soccer player, playing with the Brisbane Strikers in the NSL. NRL
West Tigers centre Brent Naden has been hit with a breach notice after the NRL's investigation into his 'khawd' celebration against the Bulldogs, with a trio of other stars officially warned. NRL
A Queensland Origin squad member and Dolphin is on the verge of returning to his former club on a two-year deal.
