Mam rejects Leniu peace offering as Broncos players provide evidence to judiciary

Broncos stars Ezra Mam, Payne Haas and Billy Walters have provided written statements to the NRL about Spencer Leniu’s “monkey” slur, with Mam refusing a face-to-face apology from the Roosters forward.

Despite not having to front the NRL judiciary in person after Leniu lodged an early guilty plea on Thursday to a contrary conduct charge, the Brisbane trio have all tendered evidence to the panel, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Geoff Bellew.

The statements will provide detail about Leniu’s taunt at Mam, which has triggered an ugly racism row after the NRL’s historic season-opening double-header in Las Vegas.

The evidence provided is more about the manner in which Leniu used the slur, rather than a victim impact statement on behalf of Mam, who was left in tears in the dressing sheds at Allegiant Stadium.

It comes as Mam returned to training on Friday, with his captain Adam Reynolds insisting he will carry no mental scars heading into Thursday’s clash with Souths.

“He’s a tough, resilient kid, it hurt him at the time, but the support has reminded him he is loved,” Reynolds said. “The important thing is he’s got a lot of good support around him.

Spencer Leniu will front the judiciary on Monday night.Credit: Janie Barrett

“I’ve kept checking in on him. There have been a lot of things said online this week, he’s in the public eye, and he can read about other people’s opinions, even though he shouldn’t. We’re all human, and when things are said, it’s never easy to hear them.

“Everyone has an opinion these days. He just has to listen to those close to him.”

Mam passed on the chance to meet Leniu face-to-face because of his anger. Broncos officials said the tears in the sheds after the game were a result of frustration rather than sadness or humiliation.

Reynolds was at Souths when Greg Inglis was racially abused by a fan at Penrith in 2018 and said that, like the Vegas situation, “it doesn’t only affect the player, it affects their families, and brings back a lot of trauma and bad memories – it’s never easy to see them struggle”.

Leniu will argue at the judiciary hearing, which has been expedited to Monday night at the request of the Roosters, calling Mam a “monkey” was not intended to be racial in nature.

Walters and Haas had indicated they would be happy to testify at the judiciary, but Leniu’s concession means their input will be restricted to written statements rather than verbal evidence under questioning.

Leniu is facing a long suspension after just one game for his new club.

South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell has been the most vocal supporter of Mam in the days since the Roosters’ controversial win over the Broncos.

Broncos assistant coach John Cartwright insisted Brisbane players were prioritising their support for Mam, who scored a hat-trick in last year’s grand final defeat against the Panthers.

“Plenty of support,” Cartwright said. “He’s a great young kid, Ez. He’s very popular within the group and he’ll be fine. He’s a very level-headed young kid.

“As a footballer the best place to be is with your teammates. I love how they all pull together and the fact we’re all here together today, whether it’s good times or bad times you want to be among your teammates. It’s been dealt with. For us, it’s moving forward.

“It’s up to the NRL to deal with it [now].”

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