Ezra Mam breaks silence on racism saga that rocked the NRL

Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam has spoken out for the first time since Specer Leniu’s racist remarks rocked the NRL to its core.

Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam has spoken out over the ugly racism saga that rocked the NRL to its core.

Mam was subjected to racial abuse from Spencer Leniu when the Broncos took on the Sydney Roosters in the league’s Las Vegas opener.

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The historic season opener was overshadowed by the ugly incident with Mam saying it had taken a toll on him.

Leniu was handed an eight-week ban after pleading guilty to calling Mam a “monkey” following a lengthy Tribunal hearing in March.

He is eligible to return to the Roosters line-up when they welcome the New Zealand Warriors to Allianz Stadium in round 10 on May 12.

“I just stuck to what my beliefs are and how I was brought up as a strong cultural man,” Mam said to The Daily Telegraph.

“If there’s anything I’m proud of, it’s my culture and that’s what I’m going to stick up for.

“It’s what I stick up for, it’s my identity and that’s the reason why I am here.”

Mam spoke out for the first time. Pic: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Leniu has been banned since round 1. Picture: NRL Photos

Mam said he had received countless messages from fellow NRL players and he heaped praise on Latrell Mitchell for calling out Leniu.

“It was definitely a huge thing for other players to come out on behalf of me and reach out to me,” he said.

“It lifted me up and lifted my spirits up.

“It’s good to see all the Indigenous and non-Indigenous players reach out to me.

“I will just play good footy now, it was a long time ago.”

Mam heaped praise on Latrell Mitchell. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mitchell was the most vocal player in the wake of the racism saga with his comments resulting in a war of words between him and former NRL star Anthony Mundine.

Mundine posted a video to social media where he called for Mam to “take it on the chin” and “toughen up”, saying of Leniu’s use of the word “monkey” that “it ain’t racism”.

Mitchell was quick to rubbish the remarks as he called out the former player turned world champion boxer.

“This what our people get told to do and continue to get told. ‘Be quiet fall in line’,” Mitchell said in an Instagram post referencing Mundine’s video.

“Anyone seen this story and knows any sense of culture that this s**t isn’t the same thing.

“Absolute bulls**t. I don’t agree with this and if you do, Do better.

“Give respect get respect! Don’t dilute the longest living culture in the world.”

Originally published as Ezra Mam breaks silence on racism saga that rocked the NRL