NRL 2024: Spencer Leniu’s manager calls on NRL to muzzle Ezra Mam supporters after alleged racism scandal

The manager of underfire Sydney Roosters star Spencer Leniu has called on the NRL and RLPA to silence rival players amid concerns his client’s judiciary hearing may be prejudiced.

The agent of Sydney Roosters star Spencer Leniu has urged the NRL and players union to step in and muzzle rival players amid concerns his client’s judiciary hearing may be prejudiced by the onslaught of support for Brisbane five-eighth Ezra Mam.

Leniu has been referred straight to the judiciary amid allegations he called Mam a “monkey” during their opening round game in Las Vegas last weekend, prompting calls for him to be banned for up to 12 weeks if he is found guilty.

Mam has received a flood of support from fellow Indigenous players in the game and Nakat is concerned that the public commentary around the potential length of any ban will damage his client’s chances of receiving a fair hearing at the judiciary.

Spencer Leniu’s manager has urged the NRL and players union to step in and muzzle rival players amid concerns his client’s judiciary hearing may be prejudiced. Picture: Rohan Kelly

“I have known Spencer since he was 13,” Leniu’s agent Joe Nakat said.

“He is a high integrity human being. Secondly, he’s been supported by a guy who has known him since he was 15 in his former coach Ivan Cleary.

“Thirdly, I don’t know what was said but we need to know the meaning or intention of what was said. Lastly, I think it sets a dangerous precedent before the judiciary hearing that there is comment about the issue with the intention of either influencing the outcome or influencing the length of suspension.

“I think it would be helpful if the NRL and RLPA came out and asked players not to comment on it so he can get natural justice, as any player would want.”

Leniu flew back into Sydney on Tuesday morning but said little on his return, having downplayed the issue immediately after the game at Allegiant Stadium.

At the time Leniu said it was just “fun and games” in an interview with Triple M NRL. However, some of the highest-profile Indigenous players in the game have since come out swinging with their support for Mam, among them South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell and Cronulla gun Nicho Hynes.

Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell has been outspoken in his support for Ezra Mam and called for serious punishment for Leniu. Picture: NRL Photos

The Rugby League Players Association said they were confident the NRL and judiciary would give Leniu fair and due process.

“The RLPA will always take allegations of this nature seriously,” a statement said.

“The matter was placed on report and Spencer has been officially charged, and we are confident the NRL, and judiciary will prioritise a fair and due process in investigating and determining the matter.

“At this point it is crucial the investigation is allowed to be undertaken confidentially and with respect to procedural fairness and natural justice.

“We are working with all parties to ensure that both players are provided with the appropriate support during this process.”

‘HAPPY’ LENIU LANDS IN SYDNEY AS PVL ADDRESSES ALLEGED RACISM SCANDAL

—Tamaryn McGregor

Sydney Roosters’ Spencer Leniu was all smiles and “very happy” to be arriving back home alongside teammates, as he awaits the outcome of the charges for his alleged racial slur against Ezra Mam.

The Sydney Roosters squad – including Leniu, touched down in Sydney on Tuesday morning following their 20 – 10 victory over the Brisbane Broncos in Las Vegas over the weekend.

“I’m very happy to be home,” the 23 year – old said in the arrivals terminal surrounded by media, Roosters staff, fans and a small police presence.

He made no further comment on the alleged “monkey” slur or incident at the resort the two clubs were staying at while overseas.

“I’m not allowed to comment on that right now,” he said.

Spencer Leniu speaks to media on arrival at Sydney Airport. Picture: Rohan Kelly/The Daily Telegraph

Alongside the full squad including captain James Tedesco and coach Trent Robinson, were a plethora of rugby league greats, celebrities and Sydney based socialites.

Among them was ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys who said he believed the allegations against Leniu did not tarnish an otherwise “successful” event.

“I don’t think it’s tarnished anything. I think it’s been a massive success for Australia and the game,” he said on Tuesday morning.

“It’s built a foundation for us to build on. It was an unbelievable atmosphere and the Americans got a taste of rugby league and were the talk everywhere in America at the moment.

Peter V’landys pictured arriving back in Sydney Airport. Picture: Rohan Kelly/The Daily Telegraph

“Unfortunately we had an incident on the field but we’ll let the process happen and the player deserves due process and natural justice and he should have every opportunity to defend himself.

Despite acknowledging the NRL had to confirm whether Leniu “actually did say” the alleged slur, V’landys said the ARL has “zero tolerance” for racism.

“I will say however, we will not tolerate racism in any level whatsoever,” he said.

“We will not tolerate it, but this player is going to be given every chance and opportunity to defend himself, he deserves natural justice and due process, and he will get that.

“If he did happen to say something like that (slur) it will be dealt with.”

V’landys said he had been in touch with Broncos star Mam following the on-field incident.

Ezra Mam returning to Brisbane Airport. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

“He’s certainly done it very tough, no doubt about that,” he said.

“He’s taken it very, very hard and I can understand that.

“He’s a great player and a great human being. We all have feelings, we all have sensitivities and people should think before they say things to anybody.

“Your words do hurt.”

V’landys said he was “not really” disappointed the weekend had been hit with allegations of misconduct.

“These things happen. We expect some things are going to happen,” he said.

The ARL boss said the experience overall in Vegas was personally “surreal”.

“I didn’t think we would have as much success as we had in the first year,” he said.

All smiles for Spencer Leniu after returning to Sydney. Picture: Rohan Kelly/The Daily Telegraph

“It’s like building a house, you build a foundation first and if that’s solid the house will work so we now hope the house does work and it doesn’t fall over.

He said now after the excitement of the spectacle had worn off he felt as though he had been hit by a bus.

“Once the adrenaline goes you think a bus has hit you. That’s what’s happened here,” he said.

“We’ll get back on our feet and we have a magnificent premiership yet to come and it’ll be one of the most exciting seasons ever.

“We hope in the next four years we capture a big slice of the market but it could not have gone any better.”

At the gate, skipper Tedesco was met by wife Maria and 5 – month old baby Rosie, with families and children of players including Jared Waerea – Hargreaves and Victor Radley waving to and embracing the beloved players as they wheeled their luggage out of the airport.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo was also aboard the United Airlines flight to Sydney, walked out of the terminal in a pack also including P.E Nation’s Pip Edward’s, rugby league legends Paul Gallen, Matty Johns and Greg Inglis, Fox Sports’ Braith Anasta and Yvonne Sampson.

Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans is greeted by his three daughters. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Manly Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold was first out of the terminal just before 1pm on Tuesday, following his squad’s 36-24 win over the Brisbane Broncos.

The head coach said he was pleased with the result in what was “a good way to start the season.”

“I thought the whole experience was fantastic,” he said.

“Fortunately we were able to play some good footy and it was a high quality game. I thought South Sydney were really good also.”

“It was so loud inside the stadium with the roof on which is very foreign to our group. It was a great atmosphere.

“I think the players across all four teams were great ambassadors for the game and it was a great opportunity for us to be a part of.”

Seibold said he would not comment on the alleged racial slur from Spencer Leniu.

“I’m not going to comment on that,” he said.

“We’ve been in transit for the best part of 24 hours. That’s not for me to comment on.”

Anthony Seibold refused to comment on the Las Vegas racism scandal. Picture: Rohan Kelly

The coach said he expects speedster Jason Saab will spend around four to six weeks sidelined with a likely grade two hamstring tear.

“It’s unfortunate because I thought Saaby was really good on Saturday,” he said.

“He’ll be out for the best part of two months.

“He played really good footy, it (the injury) was in the last four minutes unfortunately.”

Team captain Daly Cherry-Evan’s was greeted at the gate by daughters Navi, Harvie and Tully alongside wife Vessa.

“That’s what I’m doing it for,” he said on his three daughters.

“I love the game but I’m playing for them and trying to inspire them.

“When you go away for those things you don’t want to make it about the result but when you do miss your family it’s nice to come home with a win and make it all worth it.”

The skipper would not comment any further on the alleged racial slur other than to say he is confident it will be dealt with appropriately.

“If it did happen, and I don’t know if it did or if it didn’t, I’m sure the NRL will deal with it,” he said.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Spencer Leniu’s manager calls on NRL to muzzle Ezra Mam supporters after alleged racism scandal