Overview

• The NRL issued formal warnings to three Wests Tigers players, including Samuela and Latu Fainu, for performing the Arabic ‘khawd’ sign toward Bulldogs supporters during their August 3 win at CommBank Stadium.
• Centre Brent Naden received a breach notice after a social media video showed him repeating the gesture and taunting rival fans with expletives.
• Canterbury lodged an official complaint following reports that a segment of its Middle Eastern–Australian fan base took offence to the hand sign.
• The ‘khawd,’ which translates loosely as “take that,” carries both playful and insulting connotations, creating uncertainty for officials assessing intent.
• League administrators now face pressure to clarify conduct rules that address culturally specific expressions and ensure consistent disciplinary action.