NRL 2024: Broncos conduct internal inquiries into fresh Spencer Leniu-Ezra Mam allegations

Broncos and Roosters relations have soured further after Broncos conducted internal inquiries in the wake of reports a Brisbane player made an offensive remark to Spencer Leniu. See the full findings of the review.

Spencer Leniu has accused a Broncos player of calling him an offensive name. Picture: NRL Photos

The Broncos and Roosters are headed for an explosive Suncorp Stadium showdown with relations between the NRL powerhouses at boiling point over the Ezra Mam-Spencer Leniu racism scandal.

A new NRL feud has erupted ahead of Roosters prop Leniu’s appearance at the judiciary on Monday night following the fiery Las Vegas adventure.

Leniu has pleaded guilty to a contrary conduct charge and admitted he called Broncos five-eighth Mam a “monkey” during the round 1 clash in the United States.

The saga has dominated the NRL for the past week, with Leniu facing a hefty ban that has been tipped to exceed six matches.

But Leniu’s admission and apology last week, four days after the incident, has failed to simmer tensions between two of the NRL’s biggest franchises.

Instead, relations are at an all-time low following suggestions Leniu’s slur was sparked by a derogatory comment from a Broncos player during the heated season-opener.

Spencer Leniu has accused a Broncos player of calling him an offensive name. Picture: NRL Photos

The Broncos declined declined to comment on the alleged slur by a Brisbane player, but this masthead can reveal:

• The Broncos conducted internal inquiries following reports a Brisbane player made an offensive remark to Leniu and were satisfied no further action was required.

• There is a feeling at the Broncos that Roosters figures have been on a public relations blitz in recent days to soften the blow of Leniu’s punishment.

• Mam rejected an offer of a face-to-face apology by Leniu because the Roosters player doubled down on his comment with a verbal attack in a Vegas hotel corridor.

• Broncos players Payne Haas and Billy Walters submitted witness accounts of the “monkey” comment to the NRL judiciary, but it is unclear whether Roosters players will corroborate the reported Broncos slur.

Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy. Picture: Steve Pohlner

The Roosters and Rabbitohs have long been considered arch rivals and now there’s a new genuine hatred in the NRL.

The Broncos will host the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium in round 9 on May 3 in what is set to be an explosive rematch.

If Leniu cops a seven-match ban or less he will be available for selection for the Broncos encounter in Brisbane.

Regardless of Leniu’s availability for the return bout, tensions between the Roosters and Broncos are simmering on and off the field and an explosive encounter looms.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Broncos conduct internal inquiries into fresh Spencer Leniu-Ezra Mam allegations