Spencer Leniu has admitted he called Broncos star Ezra Mam a “monkey” in Las Vegas

The door has been opened for the NRL to hand out a massive ban after a key admission in the racism scandal involving Roosters star Spencer Leniu

NRL 2024 RD01 Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos - Spencer Leniu. Picture: NRL Photos

Spencer Leniu is facing a significant suspension after the Roosters elected to enter a guilty plea to his contrary conduct charge after the premiership-winning prop admitted to calling Brisbane star Ezra Mam a “monkey” during their game in Las Vegas.

The ugly incident has been the biggest talking point this week, with Broncos players confronting the Roosters recruit at the team hotel after the game following his remarks to Triple M that it was “all fun and games” on the field.

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Other Indigenous stars have come out during the week on social media calling for a huge ban, with NRL bosses declaring that any racial slurs will be dealt with harshly.

Leniu was set to appear in front of the NRL judiciary next Tuesday, with the panel to determine how long he is out for.

“I want to apologise to Ezra and his family for using the word I did and I am sincerely sorry to cause him such distress,” Leniu said.

“I’ve put my hand up and want to take ownership of this. I said the word but I didn’t mean it in a racist way. Anyone who knows me knows that’s not who I am.”

Spencer Leniu has admitted guilt. Picture: Rohan Kelly

The Roosters released a statement on Thursday afternoon where they made it clear that the club doesn’t tolerate any form of discrimination.

“Inclusivity of people from all cultures and backgrounds is a key and valued principle of the Sydney Roosters,” the statement read.

“The Roosters do not tolerate any form of racism and we extend our heartfelt apologies to Ezra, his family and the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.”

The Broncos responded to Leniu’s admission in a statement on Thursday, saying it was an important step in the process.

“The Brisbane Broncos acknowledge the statement from the Sydney Roosters today addressing an incident involving our player Ezra Mam in last’s weekend’s game,” the Broncos said.

“The Broncos acknowledge Spencer’s apology to Ezra and the importance of taking that step. “There is no place for racism in our game or in our society.

“The Club respects the NRL Judiciary process that is still to play out and we will make no further comment on that.

“Ezra’s wellbeing has been our primary concern from the start. He has been well-supported within our club and we will continue to focus on that in the time ahead.”

There have been calls for Leniu to be handed an eight-game ban, while Latrell Mitchell suggested on Instagram that the former Panther should be facing a longer stint out of the game.

It’s the first on-field racism complaint since Tyrone Peachey accused Mitchell Barnett of abusing him in 2020, although he avoided a ban due to a lack of evidence.

Ezra Mam made the allegation against Leniu. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/AFP

Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes said this would be a line in the sand moment for the NRL – before he knew Leniu had pleaded guilty – with the Indigenous All Stars playmaker calling on the game to come down hard on racism.

“We have spectators and what not making racist comments sometimes and all us players don’t stand for it. So now this is the first time in a while it’s happened (on the field), so there just has to be,” he said on Tuesday.

“Even if it wasn’t Spencer, if it was someone else – I’m not just trying to put it all on Spencer – I feel like there needs to be a line in the sand and this will be the moment that it happens. It has to happen.”

All eyes will be on the judiciary next week, with Leniu set to face the music just one game into his Roosters career.

“Spencer has been completely open and honest throughout this process, and we will continue to support him,” Roosters chief executive Joe Kelly said.

“We extend our deepest apologies to Ezra, his family and the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and offer our support to all parties during this time.

“We respect the judiciary process.

Accordingly, the club will not be making any further comment prior to the hearing.”

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