Manly star Haumole Olakau’atu defends Spencer Leniu, makes shocking ‘coconut’ revelation

Haumole Olakau’atu has launched a staunch defence of Spencer Leniu, while making several startling admissions about his own time in the NRL.

Haumole Olakau'atu. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Manly star Haumole Olakau’atu has spoken out in support of Spencer Leniu, insisting an eight-week ban was too much for his racial attack on Ezra Mam and revealing he himself had been called a “coconut” countless times over the course of his career.

Olakau’atu also insisted there was nothing sinister about Pacific Island players’ use of language that some may find offensive – it emerged during Monday night’s judicatory hearing that Leniu and his friends often called each other “blackie”, “coconut” and “monkey”.

“Coming from Spencer’s perspective, yes we do use it for banter and for a laugh,” Olakau’atu said.

“But that is it. There is no using it for anything else, or emotions behind it. We have been called everything growing up.

“Was the eight weeks too long? For me personally, way too long. At the end of the day he apologised, right? He got charged. That is it.”

Haumole Olakau'atu says he has been called a ‘coconut’ multiple times in the NRL. Picture: Izhar Khan/Getty Images

Olakau’atu said he had no idea that the use of the word “monkey” was so sensitive to Indigenous people and like Leniu, insisted he had never heard of Adam Goodes.

Goodes, the former AFL star, was on the receiving end of a racial slur more than a decade ago after being called an “ape” by a Collingwood supporter at the SCG.

That incident was raised by the NRL during a 90-minute hearing at Rugby League Central on Monday night, prompting Leniu to reveal he was unaware of Goodes or his story.

“Sorry man, I don’t know who that is, I don’t know who Adam Goodes is, sorry,” Olakau’atu said.

“Obviously we do know somewhat of the history of the Aboriginals in this land. For him (Leniu) saying that word, me personally I didn’t think it was that big of a thing until that happened.

“I can see where he is coming from. I have been called everything on the field. It is just words to me. I have been called coconut many times in the NRL.

“That is part of the game – the heat of the moment. At the end of the day they don’t really mean it. It is just words to me.

“I was even called coconut growing up in school. I got used to it. To me they are just words now.”

Leniu is said to be shattered after being sidelined for two months, but in the eyes of some it wasn’t long enough. South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell had called for a suspension of 12 weeks or more after Leniu launched into Mam during the season opener in Las Vegas, telling the Broncos No.6 to “f. k up monkey”.

North Queensland legend Johnathan Thurston claimed on Tuesday morning that the game had let down its Indigenous players and fans because the eight-match ban should have been more severe – like Mitchell, Thurston believed a suspension should have been 12 weeks or more.

Olakau’atu begged to differ as he addressed the issue on Tuesday afternoon, delivering his comments in a quiet, calm and respectful manner.

Spencer Leniu was suspended for eight weeks. Picture: NRL Photos

His staunch defence of Leniu, coming so soon after the Roosters forward had detailed his story to the NRL judiciary, only served to highlight the cultural differences that rugby league is grappling with in the wake of the Las Vegas controversy.

The issue has even divided the Indigenous community – Mitchell and Anthony Mundine were among those to butt heads over the issue. While the judiciary panel cast doubt on some of Leniu’s evidence in their judgment that was handed down after the verdict, Olakau’atu backed the Samoan international and insisted a four week ban would have been more than enough.

“I have said hi and bye to him a couple of times in my career,” Olakau’atu said.

“He said what he said. He didn’t mean it. I believe him. Four (weeks) would have been more than enough because eight weeks, for me personally, is very long.

“It is going to affect his career when he gets back. You never know what is going through his head now.

“I hope he gets this message. What he did to Ezra was wrong but I am behind him. I hope he is doing well mentally.”

Originally published as Manly star Haumole Olakau’atu defends Spencer Leniu, makes shocking ‘coconut’ revelation