"I was on the bench when that happened and to be very honest, that's not a good look for the game, gee whiz," Parker told Sky Sports Radio's Big Sports Breakfast on Monday. "He [Taupau] is passionate and he's sort of their go-to guy off the bench but if you were a young kid looking in the stands watching that, I don't know what you're going to think."

Shocked: Corey Parker was surprised by Taupau's actions. Credit:Getty Images

The heated exchange came midway through the first half as an inspired New Zealand side steamrolled Tim Sheens' lacklustre Australians. The gesture was also replayed on the big screen which resulted in a roar of disapproval from the Brisbane crowd.

"I don't condone that [gesture] but he's certainly come a long way in 12 months," Parker said. "I think it would be fair to say 12 months ago you might not have known too much about Marty Taupau, but certainly you do now."

After the match Taupau was reluctant to speak about the incident and was downplaying his outburst, saying he and Thaiday had since moved on.