Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Jaeman Salmon has rejected claims that he acted as a “grub” during the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs’ 32-0 NRL victory over the Wests Tigers at Accor Stadium on Saturday, July 18. The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs forward also revealed he received abusive social media messages after his clash with Alex Twal.
The confrontation began when Jaeman Salmon rushed in and shoved Alex Twal following an incident involving Alex Twal and Lipoi Hopoi. Alex Twal then pushed Jaeman Salmon in the face with an open hand and was sent to the sin bin.
Elsewhere in NRL news, Dean Young Named St George Illawarra Dragons Coach on Two-Year Deal.
Jaeman Salmon answers criticism
“I don’t think I’m known for being a niggler or a grub. If anyone ever mentions my name, ‘grub’ or ‘niggler’ never gets associated with it,” Jaeman Salmon said.
“All of a sudden, I’m a grub and niggler after this one altercation.”
The flashpoint came during the 69th minute, when the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs led 26-0 and had the result under control. The official NRL match centre recorded Alex Twal’s sin bin for striking before the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs completed the shutout.
“You can’t win in this situation. If I fire back, I get sin-binned, and if I milk it, I’m a coward,” Jaeman Salmon said.
“You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t.”
Online messages follow heated finish
Jaeman Salmon said the late tension came from two players competing hard rather than any personal feud.
“Tensions were high. I’m a competitor, and Twally is a competitor.”
“All I’ve heard about Twally is he’s a great lad.”
Jaeman Salmon also said passionate Wests Tigers supporters had targeted him online following the defeat.
“It’s blown up a bit, it’s crazy... They’re passionate fans.”
“Nobody likes seeing their team beaten. There are too many explicit words for me to say in the paper.”
The incident became the main talking point from an otherwise commanding Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs performance. Jaeman Salmon’s response makes clear that he rejects the labels attached to him while holding no personal anger towards Alex Twal.
