State of Origin: Spencer Leniu on Blues debut, racism saga, forgotten boxing match with J’maine Hopgood

Footage has resurfaced of Spencer Leniu towelling up a former teammate and Queensland enforcer in a boxing bout, as the Blues debutant declares he’s ready to “wreak havoc” in Origin I. Watch the video.

Spencer Leniu boxing Hopgood main

NSW and Sydney Roosters enforcer Spencer Leniu has broken a three-month silence over his dramatic Las Vegas racism row before declaring he would “wreak havoc” in State of Origin I.

In a direct message to Queensland’s forwards, Leniu admitted he was “a little bit” mad and claimed: “If I see maroon, it’s on.”

Leniu secured NSW selection after returning in round 10 from a highly-controversial eight game suspension for calling Broncos star Ezra Mam a “monkey.”

Asked bluntly whether he was a racist, Leniu said: “I can only control what I can control – if anyone thinks I’m a racist, it is what it is.

“There were definitely some lows. If I was to give some advice to the young people coming up and playing, know your circle (of friends).

“Those blokes (including NSW teammates Jarome Luai and Brian To’o) are definitely in my circle. Why we have such a great relationship is because we have ridden the highest of highs and lowest of lows together.

Spencer Leniu and J'maine Hopgood boxing

“That’s special. It’s a bond and brotherhood that’s unbreakable. When you go through times like that, that’s when you know who your brothers are.

“I have been big on keeping my circle really small. You will know your circle really fast when you go through tough times like that.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinions but those in that circle are the only opinions that matter. It is what it is. If I get 10,000 boos and one hurrah, then I will take it.

“I can’t take this opportunity without giving a shout-out to the Roosters. They stuck by me mentally and physically during those eight weeks.

“(Trent Robinson’s support) was massive for me. It would be (understandable) from their end if I had to leave the club but on my end I want to stay for life. They put their arms out there for me.

“I’m so grateful and happy to be back playing footy. I love this game so much, I think I’m obsessed with it. But to be honest, I’m not here to talk about the judiciary and whatever happened.”

Spencer Leniu is ready to “wreak havoc” for the Blues. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

In a heated aftermath to the Mam drama, Leniu and Brisbane players, including Queensland’s Pat Carrigan, exchanged heated words in the corridor of Vegas’ Hilton Hotel in Resorts World.

“I’m here to talk Origin,” Leniu said.

One man in the Maroons camp who is well aware of what Leniu is capable of if things get physical is his former Penrith teammate and now Eels star J’maine Hopgood.

Leniu towelled up Hopgood in a Panthers pre-season boxing session in 2021 and Queensland players might want to have a look at the clip on YouTube before thinking about taking on the Blues hit man.

Leniu appears acutely aware why he has been selected – to be NSW’s fearless enforcer.

“How I play suits Origin and I have to do what I usually do coming off the bench – go out and wreak havoc,” Leniu said.

“I’ve been doing that for the last couple of years so it’s not new to me, just a different and bigger arena. I have to make as much impact as I can.”

Blues debutants: (L-R) Cameron McInnes, Haumole Olakau'atu, Zac Lomax, Spencer Leniu, Dylan Edwards and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Asked respectfully whether he had some madness about him on the field, Leniu said: “Yeah, maybe a little bit. I’m just the ultimate competitor. Once I cross that white line, it is what it is.”

Given his racist remark was directed at a Broncos player, Leniu was expecting a torrid reunion with some of the Brisbane players now representing Queensland.

He missed the Roosters-Broncos rematch in round nine through suspension.

“To be honest, I don’t think any Origin game isn’t fiery,” he said. “If I see maroon, it’s on. If they see blue, it’s on. In that prop role, you have play aggressively. That’s who I am and I can’t wait to rip in.

“Do I think I’m ready for Origin? I’m just going to have to wait and see when we get out there but I feel like I’ve done a lot of work to get here. I don’t think it will sink in until I’m out there playing.

“These are exciting times. I wasn’t really expecting the call to be honest and am extremely grateful for the opportunity to put the sky blue jersey on and represent my family.”

Originally published as State of Origin: Spencer Leniu on Blues debut, racism saga, forgotten boxing match with J’maine Hopgood