‘F***wit’: Dramatic sideline confrontations between player and legend rock NRL

Spencer Leniu and Johnathan Thurston had a heated clash on Friday night at Suncorp, allegedly involving a nasty spray — then a worse one after full-time.

Roosters firebrand Spencer Leniu and Queensland legend Johnathan Thurston have reportedly had two dramatic confrontations during the Tricolours’ 26-16 win over the Broncos.

According to CODE Sports, the duo’s altercation stemmed from the racism scandal that involved the prop at the start of the 2024 season.

Leniu allegedly called Thurston a “f***wit” after coming from the field with about 20 minutes remaining on Friday night, while the former Cowboys halfback was commentating for Channel 9.

Nine Newspapers reported that during another clash after full-time, Leniu allegedly called Thurston a “f***ing c***”.

Thurston reportedly responded: “What’s your problem?”

Broncos star Ben Hunt was seen trying to intervene during the exchange after full-time, while Roosters forward Siua Wong also reportedly tried to curb Leniu.

Thurston later refused to enter the Roosters’ sheds for post-match interviews having been rattled by the incident, CODE reported, and had a “robust” discussion with Roosters coach Trent Robinson while complaining about Leniu’s behaviour.

Leniu was suspended for eight games after he called Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam a “monkey”, with their Friday night clash marking the first time the NSW representative had faced Brisbane since their 2024 Las Vegas match-up.

Spencer Leniu and Johnathan Thurston clash at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: NRL Imagery

Robinson was asked about the altercation in the post-match press conference, launching a staunch defence of his player.

“There’s a discussion there, but from what I saw there wasn’t any crossing the line there,” Robinson said.

“I don’t know why, Spencer, he didn’t go and approach anybody. I don’t know why you’re trying to put it on Spence here... you guys are trying to put it on Spencer here.

“This is the way the questions are coming, you guys just have got to be careful the way that you guys are asking questions as well.

“I don’t think it’s on anyone, I think it is a discussion between two men. So cool your jets when it comes to accusations around somebody, the way you guys are questioning there you’ve already formed an opinion.

“Two guys having a conversation, it might get heated. But nothing wrong was said, as far as I know and it was about an incident and that’s okay for guys to have that conversation.”

Robinson also said that he believed “someone speaking their opinion, I think is good in this game”.

“They just had a discussion on the sideline, I don’t think the details are really clear yet but it’s just two passionate guys having a conversation about differences of opinion I think.

He also denied that Leniu had any concerns regarding his first appearance against the Broncos since his suspension last season, or any grievances with Thurston.

“No, not that I know of, it wasn’t mentioned at all. I thought he was outstanding tonight, I thought he played with intensity and control he needed,” Robinson said.

“I thought he was great tonight, people are always going to have differences of opinion and you can voice that, it’s okay to say ‘I don’t agree with you’.

“Both sides, there’s no harm done on either side, people aren’t always going to agree but that’s life isn’t it. As long as people don’t cross the line or say the wrong thing.”

Thurston was one of the loudest voices in disagreeing with Leniu’s eight-game ban last season, claiming the NRL needed to hand down a harsher penalty.

“The NRL had a great opportunity there to make a stand, not only for the game but for society as well,” Thurston said following the NRL’s decision.

“I think sports people are held to a higher standard than the rest of the community. But I think the game has failed in this instance.

“I don’t think the eight weeks is sufficient for what has been said and for the mental scars that have been brought up. And what our culture has endured over the history, since colonisation.

“I thought it was a great opportunity to go 12 weeks (and a) blanket ban for all racial verification if you are found guilty.”

Originally published as ‘F***wit’: Dramatic sideline confrontations between player and legend rock NRL