'Weak-gutted dog': Controversial try celebration reignites hostile NRL feud

Sayantan Guha

'Weak-gutted dog': Controversial try celebration reignites hostile NRL feud image

Jaeman Salmon didn’t just score a crucial try in the Bulldogs’ stunning 32-20 comeback win over the Raiders, he also reignited one of the NRL’s most personal feuds in the process.

The Canterbury lock made his feelings clear after crossing in the 47th minute at GIO Stadium, turning to the camera, pointing to the Bulldogs crest on his chest and mouthing the words “weak-gutted dog.” 

It was a direct reference to the infamous insult hurled at him by Raiders coach Ricky Stuart back in 2022, when Salmon was still at Penrith.

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Bad blood still boiling

The microphone didn’t catch the words, but there was no mistaking the lip movement or the target. Salmon’s pointed celebration was as much about setting the record straight as it was about celebrating a turning point in the match.

Canterbury had trailed 20-0 at half-time, only to storm home with six unanswered tries in the second half, Salmon’s being one of them. 

But the moment that will be replayed most is the one that rubbed salt into the Raiders’ wounds.

Salmon, now in his second season at the Bulldogs, later limped off with an injury, though it’s Ricky Stuart who’ll be feeling the sting the most.

Sayantan Guha

Sayantan Guha is a content producer for The Sporting News working across English-language editions.