Spencer Leniu judiciary news: Broncos stars ready to take stand in Las Vegas racism hearing

With key audio missing, two Broncos stars are set to play key roles at the NRL judiciary if called upon as a witness in the Las Vegas racism hearing.

Spencer Leniu was in the thick of the action in Vegas. Picture: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Broncos hooker Billy Walters is willing to testify at the NRL judiciary if called upon as a witness in the Las Vegas racism hearing.

Walters’ teammate, Payne Haas, could also become a key witness for Brisbane after telling club officials he overheard Roosters forward Spencer Leniu call Broncos whiz Ezra Mam a “monkey’’ in the season-opening clash in Las Vegas.

Walters confirmed to this masthead that he was one of the players in the vicinity of Leniu when the alleged slur was made, which, alongside Haas could be crucial at the disciplinary hearing now that a forensic investigation has failed to unearth match audio of the word being spoken. The NRL’s prosecution will rely on witness accounts.

Leniu will appear at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday after being charged with contrary conduct in the 69th minute of the heated round 1 clash.

Mam, 21, made a formal on-field complaint to referee Adam Gee and may be required to appear at the judiciary to give his version of events.

Billy Walters and Payne Haas were the two closest players to Spencer Leniu when the alleged racial slur took place.

But the Indigenous sensation may not be alone, with Brisbane teammate Walters declaring he would front up if required.

Walters said he was reluctant to speak in-depth about the incident to ensure he didn’t prejudice the hearing, but confirmed he was willing to testify.

“I don’t want to get into it too much. We’ve been told not to speak too much because we want the NRL to deal with it properly and not influence it,” he said.

“But if I’m called upon by the NRL I’ll definitely tell my version of events.

“We’ve got Ezra’s back no matter what happens.”

With a split first round over two weekends due to the United States double-header, the Leniu judiciary hearing won’t be held until next week following the completion of round 1 fixtures.

A former senior Cricket Australia official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said it was the lack of audio evidence that enabled Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh to have a three match ban scrapped on appeal after he allegedly called Andrew Symonds a “monkey’’ at the SCG in 2008.

“Had Harbhajan been caught on audio it would have been a different outcome but Channel Nine had a reporter go through the tapes for a day looking for evidence and they could not find anything,’’ the source said.

“Harbhajan was initially banned by match referee Mike Procter but the bans were scrapped on appeal because a New Zealand judge said there was not enough evidence.

“The lack of audio evidence was decisive because it then became a matter of “he said, she said.’’

Despite the fact Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting and Matt Hayden said they heard Harbhajan say the word “monkey’’ the judge ruled this evidence was insufficient for a conviction.

“The match referee was happy to make a conviction on the players’ word. The judge wasn’t. It can go either way but Mam’s witnesses who say they heard the word now become more important given there is no audio. This could be the Symonds case all over.’’

The fact that Harbhajan got off his bans on appeal infuriated the players and Symonds himself who was never the same player or person after the incident.

Spencer Leniu after the game in Las Vegas. Picture: NRL

The one key factor yet to be resolved is whether Leniu will deny making the claim or confess to saying it.

When interviewed after the game he admitted to being involved in “fun and games’’ but distanced himself from allegations of racism.

The Broncos returned to Brisbane on Tuesday morning following the 20-10 loss to the Roosters in the NRL’s inaugural Vegas venture.

Back rower Brendan Piakura must pass concussion tests over the next week to prove his fitness for next Thursday’s round 2 blockbuster with the Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium.

Captain Adam Reynolds is also under an injury cloud after sustaining a knee injury in the loss to the Roosters.

Reynolds was expected to undergo scans after returning to Brisbane.

Originally published as Spencer Leniu judiciary news: Broncos stars ready to take stand in Las Vegas racism hearing