Brisbane Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam was filmed appearing to mimic a sexual act during Friday morning's World Club Challenge broadcast.
The incident occurred as the match, staged in England, reached a tense late phase with the home side holding a sizable lead earlier on.
Hull KR dominated after halftime and at one stage led 30-4, a margin that suggested the trophy would stay with the hosts.
Despite that, the Broncos mounted a spirited recovery driven by improved ball control and pressure in the final quarter.
Mam was shown on camera shortly before a late kickoff doing a brief hand motion that some interpreted as provocative.
It remains unclear whether the gesture was a response to taunts from the passionate Hull KR crowd or simply an offhand movement.
Fox's coverage picked up the moment and quickly cut to another angle as producers appeared to react to what had been captured live.
Television replays and social media picked up the clip, prompting debate about intent and appropriate conduct on the field.
Club officials have not issued a formal explanation at the time of reporting, and no disciplinary action has been confirmed publicly.
On the scoreboard, Hull KR held on to retain the World Club Challenge title, while the Broncos' late surge narrowed the gap and offered a strong finish to the contest.
Observers said the match itself delivered plenty of drama beyond the contentious gesture, with both teams showing intensity until the final whistle.
The footage is likely to be reviewed further as broadcasters and the clubs consider how such moments should be handled in future live coverage.