NRL Las Vegas double header: Ugly accusation rocks NRL in Vegas

The NRL’s first weekend in Las Vegas produced two outstanding matches, but an ugly on-field complaint resulted in an unsavoury end.

A great weekend has ended with an ugly accusation. Photo: Fox Sports

One of the biggest days in rugby league’s recent history has been marred by a racism allegation as the NRL took on the United States for the first time.

The matches had it all, a highscoring free-for-all in the first when the Sea Eagles downed the Rabbitohs, before a brutal 20-10 slog saw the Roosters defeat the Broncos.

It proved an epic start to both the NRL’s season and the game’s five-year plan in the US.

The only place to watch both games of the Las Vegas opening double-header live is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

In front of a crowd of 40,746, the NRL’s US debut was everything the sport would have hoped for in the lead up to the event.

Unfortunately, the match finished with an unsavoury accusation when Brisbane’s Ezra Mam put in a formal complaint of a “racial nature” to the referee.

With just over 10 minutes to go, the match threatened to erupt after the alleged racial slur.

The teams came together and there was confusion in the commentary box before the Broncos’ Ezra Mam made a formal complaint.

Spencer Leniu gets placed on report.

“Ezra’s made a formal complaint that’s racial in nature, OK, against Spencer,” referee Adam Gee told the opposing captains in front of Mam.

The Spencer he was referring to was new Roosters recruit Spencer Leniu.

“I haven’t heard it, the incident goes on report, will be dealt with after,” Gee said.

It left the commentators stunned.

“That is a sensation,” Andrew Voss said in commentary. “A complaint of a racial nature lodged by Ezra Mam against Spencer Leniu. Obviously at the moment we can tell you no more about it.

“It is something for post-match. Flashpoint in Vegas.”

In audio from the match, Mam is heard telling referee Gee “he called me a monkey”.

The accusation is then supported by another Broncos player.

When Gee approached Leniu, he said: “Spencer, we’ve got a spectacle here, we’ve got to keep the game going.”

Leniu replied with incredulity but his reply was inaudible even through the referee’s microphone.

After the match, Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell took to Instagram to air his feelings about the incident.

“I stand with you Bala,” Mitchell wrote in a story that included a photo of Mam and his Instagram handle.

“NRL better deal with this s**t.”

Rabbitoh Latrell Mitchell's Instagram story

Mam immediately informed the referee. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images via AFP)

Mam’s Broncos teammate Reece Walsh posted the same image as Mitchell wtih the caption: “Got you always my brother,” along with fist bump and heart emojis.

Asked about the incident after the game, Leniu told Triple M the incident was “nothing”.

“It’s all just fun and games on the field. That’s it,” he added.

Asked if he was worried about it, he added: “Not worried at all.”

Speaking after the game when confirmed the Broncos were pressing forward with the complaint, NRL legend Johnathan Thurston appeared stunned.

“A little bit emotional about it that in this day and age, one of our players would allegedly be saying what he said,” Thurston said. “After coming here, 40,000 people, two massive, cracking games and now we’re dealing with this — we didn’t need it after round one.”

Brad Fittler agreed: “Absolutely. Didn’t need it. Ridiculous. They’re going to go through the process. A bad way to finish such a great night’s footy.”

Thurston said he was told Mam was in tears.

Leniu's reaction to the accusation. Photo: Fox Sports

In his press conference, Broncos coach Kevin Walters said that Mam was “pretty upset” but that they would allow the NRL process to police and adjudicate.

Walters said they were support their player and that Mam was “adamant”.

Broncos captain Adam Reynolds said he didn’t hear it initially.

“We certainly don’t stand for racism and we’ll support Ezra and get around him and leave it in the NRL’s hands,” Reynolds said.

“It’s certainly never nice to hear any racism or slur, not in this day and age you’d think it’s still out there. It’s a bit of a shock.”

Roosters coach Trent Robinson had “no opinion” over the situation.

He added just because Mam believed he had heard a slur doesn’t mean it was what was said.

“It’ll go through the formal process, as it should,” Robinson said.

The Roosters scored through Victor Radley soon after to wrap up a 20-10 win, downing the 2023 NRL finalists.

Johnathan Thurston was emotional after hearing of the allegation. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

5.10pm — Are you not entertained Vegas?

Well, the NRL couldn’t have put on much of a better show in Las Vegas with the Broncos and Roosters duking it out in a wild clash.

The Roosters scored first through a magic pass from Joey Manu to open the second half scoring, putting Junior Pauga over for the opening try of the second half.

Denied a field goal in the first half, the Roosters went better, opening a 14-4 lead.

“It’s a magic show in Vegas,” Voss said.

“What Joey Manu has done here is just amazing,” Michael Ennis added.

“That is a brilliant moment from one of the classiest centres of the last decade.

“He is not even looking. Not even a sight of the player and he ices the pass. That is brilliant.”

THERE'S A MAGIC SHOW IN VEGAS! 🪄

What a pass from Joey Manu. 🤯

📺 Watch #NRLVegas on ch.502 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/B1ijnGXtqA
✍️ BLOG https://t.co/jiMJoftM9n
🔢 MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/OeJyXTjz97pic.twitter.com/IYwXh8pHv7

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) March 3, 2024

Not to be outdone, the Broncos hit back through Reece Walsh with 20 minutes remaining.

The Broncos put it through the hands with the last pass putting Walsh in to swan dive for the try.

Reece Walsh is stamping his authority on this game! 😤

📺 Watch #NRLVegas on ch.502 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/B1ijnGXtqA
✍️ BLOG https://t.co/jiMJoftM9n
🔢 MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/OeJyXTjz97pic.twitter.com/UHn1Pay0as

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) March 3, 2024

4.25pm — Broncos hit back late

While the razzle dazzle was on show in the first match, it’s been all about the slog in the second game.

The Roosters were up 8-0 after a 15th minute penalty but the Broncos hit back in the 35th minute through Deine Mariner.

But it’s been an arm-wrestle with the game going end to end at a frantic pace.

With a Roosters field goal disallowed due to the new rule about blockers for the kickers, it was a half that had it all but it’s 8-4 at the break.

On Channel 9, Andrew Johns suggested the fatigue will open the game right up in the second half, so hold onto your socks!

3.41pm — Joey Manu gets Chooks off to perfect start

Ezra Mam just gifted Joey Manu a try to give the Roosters a perfect start against the Broncos.

Coming off their own line, Mam floated across field and put the ball out in front of Pat Carrigan.

Only it was a little too far as Carrigan was caught flat-footed as the ball went straight into the arms of Manu, who strolled in for the first try.

“That is an extraordinary moment,” Voss said. “One of the softest intercepts you’ll ever see.”

Jameis Winston rears his head again. Pick 6 Manu this time.#NRLVegas

— Elliott Lovejoy (@ElliottLovejoy) March 3, 2024

Roosters score!

Joey Manu with the pick....four#NRLRoostersBroncos#NRLVegaspic.twitter.com/o0xlyM9u0g

— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) March 3, 2024

It’s far from over though, still over 74 minutes to go and the Broncos have had their moments with Walsh putting a grubber in for Jesse Arthars, only to fall foul of the short in-goals.

3.28pm — Manly make claim to be ‘America’s team’

If Manly wanted to stake a claim to come back to the States, they’ve made a great go of it in the first game at Allegiant Stadium.

With Manly trailling 20-12 after 48 minutes, it looked like the Rabbitohs were about to run away with it.

From there, the Sea Eagles hit the lead just seven minutes later, before sealing the result with tries to Reuben Garrick and Luke Brooks to make it 36-20 with three minutes left.

Souths hit back for a consolation try, making it 36-24 at full-time but it was a statement from the Sea Eagles.

Brooks looked good in Manly colours, having a line break and assisting one, as well as running 18 times for 86m.

Pre-game, the Sea Eagles’ owner Scott Penn said the club wants to “really entrench” themselves in America.

“Obviously, we want to give everyone a fair go, but there needs to be a home team,” he said.

“We’ve put a hand up so we’re happy to be the home team … America’s team. We’d love to be the American Eagles.”

Roosters boss Nick Politis also said the red, white and blue goes well with his team as he hoped they could again go to Vegas.

Guess it’s your move Roosters.

2.58pm — What a difference 10 minutes makes?

The Vegas extravaganza has just been flipped on its head as Manly hit the lead 24-20 after 54 minutes, responding to Souths’ two tries in three minutes with two of their own in the following seven minutes.

Manly have made it a pointscoring spectacle in brilliant scenes.

“It’s a feast of points to open the 2024 season,” Dan Ginnane said.

Wow Tommy hits back, with a try to his brother Ben. 24-20 strap yourself in for a final 25 minutes!!
⁦@NRL⁩ #NRLVegaspic.twitter.com/qT3PKQuhhx

— Garry Jack (@jimmyjack244) March 3, 2024

While Latrell Mitchell took the game on his own shoulders to start the second half — as you can read immediately below — the Sea Eagles were not going to be outdone.

So when Lachlan Croker and Ben Trbojevic barged over, it was more than game on as the Sea Eagles swung the game in their direction.

Reuben Garrick scored in the 60th minute to make it certain the Sea Eagles would return home with the points. Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/AFP

2.50pm — Latrell makes Vegas his own

It seemed to be just a matter of time but Latrell Mitchell has stamped his authority on the season-opener in Las Vegas.

There has been talk of how Mitchell had seemed relaxed and fit and ready to go, but shortly after halftime, he’s made the game his own.

Mitchell had a try assist for Jacob Gagai’s try in the first half, before giving one away in the other direction as he threw an intercept for Jason Saab.

To kick off the second half, Latrell scored, stepping off the right foot to score in three minutes, taking on the line on the fifth tackle.

“The man is in a mood tonight,” Dan Ginnane said.

Braith Anasta added he was “a Colossus” as he did it all himself, “taking the game by the scruff of the neck”.

Ginnane added: “It’s been noted all week that Latrell Mitchell is up and about, he’s a little cocky, he’s at his best. And he has made it his mission tonight.”

Latrell then laid on another try to Alex Johnston minutes later to give the Rabbitohs a 20-12 lead.

2.21pm — ‘No one’s going to catch Jason Saab’

Jason Saab was ankle tapped early on by Lachie Ilias to deny him a length of the field try, but no one was stopping him after an intercept from 50m out.

Having set up a try on the other side of the field, Latrell Mitchell went for another long cut out to try and catch Saab out of position but he was out of position to race away for the try.

Saab is right up there among the fastest players in the game and showed off his speed again, this time with no one in front of him.

Jason Saab in full flight is a thing of beauty. Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Dan Ginnane said: “No one was going to catch Jason Saab.”

“Not this time,” Braith Anasta said.

Leading into the match, Saab said he hoped he could show off his talent in front of NFL scouts.

“We’re here to put on a show,” he told News Corp.

“And it’s exciting to think about who might be watching (from NFL). If the opportunity comes knocking, I’d give it serious thought.

“League’s the greatest game of all, but who wouldn’t entertain an opportunity in NFL. If I can have a cracker of a game … who knows what could eventuate.”

Fans agreed, taking to X over the stunning turn.

Saab is going to the NFL #NRLVegas

— Kenneth Noisewater (@KenNwater) March 3, 2024

Bitta Jameis Winston about that pick 6 pass in double coverage... Touchdown Saab.#NRLVegas

— Elliott Lovejoy (@ElliottLovejoy) March 3, 2024

Jason Saab the 6’5” Gazelle with the interception to put the SeaEagles on top, my oh my #NRLVegas

— ImAMofo (@Picapau316) March 3, 2024

This time, Jason Saab triggered the patented “GOODBYE!!!” Call from Dan on the Intercept. #NRLVegas#NRLManlySouthshttps://t.co/Z7TUMkgYXF

— David Walker (@DavidWalkerSGHS) March 3, 2024

It gives the Sea Eagles a 12-10 lead with a minute left in the first half, after the side was denied through Tom Trbojevic just minutes earlier.

Trbojevic was held up as he grounded the ball but as he moved his hand, he lost grip into the opposing player, constituting a knock on.

Lucky for Manly, Saab righted the ship soon after.

2.12pm — Rabbits hit back

Souths have retaken the lead through Jacob Gagai, the brother of Queensland Origin great and Knights star Dane Gagai.

A slick cut out pass from Latrell Mitchell hit Gagai on the outside to win the 15m race to the in-goal.

With a much smaller ground, questions were asked about how they were going to play to the corners, commentator Dan Ginnane said a “play like that isn’t supposed to happen on this field.”

“It doesn’t matter how much has been taken out of this playing arena, they can still create,” Ginnane added.

Latrell missed the kick and it’s 10-6.

2pm — NRL speedster cut down in wild scenes

Jason Saab said before the Vegas match that he wanted to impress NFL clubs in the NRL season opener, but despite being one of the fastest men in the league, he was cut down by Souths’ Lachie Ilias.

A Tom Trbojevic offload put Saab in space and while he was stretching out, the Rabbitohs half came across to save an almost certain try.

Saab down the sideline! 🏃‍♂️💨#NRLManlySouths#NRLVegaspic.twitter.com/BxcumpYBEX

— NRL (@NRL) March 3, 2024

What a sight! Photo: Fox Sports

Fans were blown away.

“STOP THAT LOCHY ILIAS,” one tweeted.

“Lachlan Ilias seemingly has a faster 40 yard time than Saab …” another wrote.

Another said: “‘Come get me NFL scouts’ says Jason Saab..... before he’s chased down in open space by Lachlan Ilias.”

But while it saved a try, it was only for a few minutes as the Sea Eagles kept the pressure on.

After Tom Trbojevic was denied a try that was deemed a knock on by the Rabbitohs, Haumole Olakau’atu barged over off the next scrum to make it 6-all.

1.40pm — Rabbitohs score through ‘unlikely’ star

Richie Kennar has barged his way over through what commentator Dan Ginnane called “the most unlikely tryscorer” as Richie Kennar scored.

Might not have been the way that the NRL had been hoping the try would be scored either off a short side crash play but it’s 6-0 nonetheless.

Kennar scores the first try in Las Vegas! 🇺🇸 #NRLManlySouths#NRLVegaspic.twitter.com/IsE48bNGoF

— NRL (@NRL) March 3, 2024

1.35pm — And we’re underway …

Forget the Vegas puns, we already know this is an “iconic” moment for rugby league — the game is officially underway.

The Sea Eagles kicked off first and Rabbitohs star Jai Arrow appeared to hurt his ankle almost immediately.

Rugby league is back, baby!

1.10pm — Truth about Vegas trip

To all the knockers out there, the Vegas trip isn’t about instant gratification.

That’s what ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys has said on Fox League: “If we can make it here, it’ll be worth 10s, if not 100s of millions of dollars for the game. It’s not going to happen in the first 12 months or the first two years — we’ve set ourselves a goal over five. This is the start, this is the foundation, we now have to build the house.”

Peter V'landys has revealed just how the NRL in the US can be a success. Photo: Fox Sports

The season opening games will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1 in the US and V’landys said if all goes well, they’ll broadcast one game a week on the network.

“We’ve started with these two games, if they’re successful to an audience of over 100 million people, hopefully then Fox will say let’s put one on each week.

“And then we’ve got to sell our subscription to our Watch NRL, which is one of the greatest products you’ve ever seen. If you want to watch every game, all the panel show, everything’s on Watch NRL. And that’s where the money’s going to come.

“Also the opportunity is there for sports betting. The Super Bowl alone held over $23 billion so there’s a market here for sports betting as well. And this is all about raising revenue for the game so we can put it all back into juniors, participation and the clubs.

“If we succeed here, the whole game, the whole ecosystem succeeds.”

12.35pm — Teams are in for Manly Vs Souths

The teams are in for the Sea Eagles Vs the Rabbitohs and both teams are 1-17. Kick-off at 1.30pm AEDT.

MANLY: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Jaxson Paulo 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic

Interchange: 14. Karl Lawton 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Nathan Brown

Reserve: 18. Jake Arthur

SOUTHS: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Isaiah Tass 4. Richard Kennar 5. Jacob Gagai 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Sean Keppie 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray

Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili 15. Jacob Host 16. Davvy Moale 17. Thomas Burgess

Reserve: 24 Dean Hawkins

12.15pm — Footy greats giddy ahead of Vegas opener

It’s been talked about for a long time, but the Vegas games are finally here and the excitement of former greats is palpable.

As the fans start to find their seats in Allegiant Stadium, one thing is clear — the Fox League commentators are excited.

With the first game exclusive to Fox Sports, Braith Anasta, Matty Johns and Gorden Tallis were grinning like Cheshire cats.

The footy greats are enjoying themselves already. Photo: Fox Sports

“It’s absolutely surreal,” Anasta said. “It’s not only a career highlight, but just to be here and be involved, the week that has taken place, and the fans that have come here — we’re in Allegiant Stadium. This is where the Super Bowl was only a month ago. Patrick Mahomes threw a pass to Mecole Hardman right there and you turn up and we’ve got the opportunity to be here and watch our favourite teams and launch the first game of our season in this special arena. It is absolutely unbelievable.”

Matty Johns added: “On a personal level, in my life in football, which is basically the whole 52 years, it’s been one of the most memorable weeks.”

He added the Fan Zone during the week was “the most phenomenal thing I’ve seen in my involvement in rugby league”.

Asked if it had been a “watershed moment” by host Yvonne Sampson, Tallis said: “It’s the most exciting opening that I’ve ever been to.

“This is the most excited I’ve ever been to come to work. This is unbelievable. Just walking in with Braith, we just knew that something special is going to happen for rugby league.”

10.15am — Hugh Jackman pulls out

Hugh Jackman has flown out of Las Vegas and will not be at Allegiant Stadium to watch his Manly Sea Eagles play on Sunday.

Despite denials, the Hollywood star was rumoured to be preparing to make an appearance at the rugby league extravaganza after receiving an invite from the NRL.

The league was ready to roll out the red carpet for the A-lister, but the X-Men star has been forced away.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports Jackman pulled out at the last minute due to personal reasons.

Actor Hugh Jackman watching the Sea Eagles. Photo: Mark Evans.

Jackman was in Las Vegas on Saturday (AEDT), but flew immediately to New York.

News Corp first reported Jackman’s friend — and Aussie sport commentator — Gus Worland confirmed Jackman’s abrupt exit.

“He was gutted to leave,” Worland said.

“He made the effort to come here but it due to unforeseen circumstances he had to go back.

“He was really disappointed. He was looking forward to wearing his Manly jersey to the game.”

Russell Crowe, meanwhile, has also repeatedly denied he will feature in Las Vegas and has been filming on site in Europe in recent weeks.

Crowe featured in the NRL’s official advertising campaign in the United States by doing the voice-over for a TV advertisement.

8am — Tensions simmering before blockbuster

A turf war has erupted just hours before the NRL season opener with the Roosters and Sea Eagles both planting a flag in the United States market.

Roosters supremo Nick Politis on Saturday said his club is the natural choice for new American supporters given they have the American colours of red, white and blue.

“First of all, everybody knows what a successful brand the Roosters brand is in Australia, and what we stand for as a football team and a club,” Politis told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“Now it’s time for us to take it to America in a big way if the NRL is serious about what they’re doing – and it appears after everything that’s happened over the last few days, they are.

The NRL has taken over Las Vegas this week. Photo: Grant Trouville.

Allegiant Stadium is all ready to go. Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/AFP.

“I want to compliment Peter V’landys for the way he’s made things happen. And it will only get bigger. After all, the Roosters are a natural fit. We’ve got the American colours: red white and blue.”

Politis’ comments came after Manly owner Scott Penn said the club wants to “really entrench” themselves in America.

“Obviously, we want to give everyone a fair go, but there needs to be a home team,” he said.

“We’ve put a hand up so we’re happy to be the home team … America’s team. We’d love to be the American Eagles.”

8am — NRL star skips baby’s birth for Vegas

Manly’s Nathan Brown is gambling on being able to jet back into Sydney before his heavily pregnant wife Nadine gives birth.

The former NSW State of Origin star has made the tough call to remain in Vegas to play from the bench for Manly against the Rabbitohs — and has his wife’s support.

Nathan Brown of the Sea Eagles. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images.

“I’m lucky to have her in my life and she’s been good from the start. We knew for a few months when the due date was, she’s going to be induced literally when I get back.

“I will get back to Sydney at around lunchtime on Tuesday and we will go to the hospital Tuesday night. Hopefully, we will have it then.

“I obviously can’t just get on the plane or drive for an hour like if I was in Australia.”

Roosters centre Joey Manu last week stayed behind in Sydney to be with his wife ahead of the birth of heir daughter, rather than fly to Las Vegas with his teammates.

Manu flew out five days later with the support of his team.

7am — Cooper Johns almost honey trapped in Las Vegas

Former Manly player Cooper Johns has told of the scary moment he almost stumbled into a prostitution honey trap plot.

Having called an end to his NRL career at the age of just 24 to join KIIS FM’s radio behemoth The Kyle and Jackie O Show in January meant Johns wouldn’t miss out on the NRL’s first season-opening double header in Las Vegas.

NRL stars had been warned of “sex traps” and extortion attempts in Sin City by Las Vegas police boss Kendall Bell.

The NRL even provided 10 security guards per team.

But that didn’t extend to the media following the game, meaning Johns, the son of Newcastle champion and Fox Sports personality Matthew, was left largely to his own devices.

Speaking on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Friday morning, Cooper revealed that he had almost fallen prey to a honey trap.

Cooper Johns has revealed he was nearly honey trapped. Photo: Instagram and Getty Images

Johns said he’d “had a few schooners” the night before and was feeling a bit worse for wear.

Having been hard at work capturing content in his new role for the radio show, the former NRL first-grader almost landed himself in a sticky situation, if not for his girlfriend Kenna.

“Last night, I jumped in a limo on the way back from the strip and I ended up in the back of a limo with my missus (Kenna Hullick) and one of my mates and this girl was already in the limousine,” Johns said.

“She was just in there and said she was mates with the driver so the driver just drives her around.

“I was pretty intoxicated so I thought ‘that’s not suspicious at all. What a completely normal thing to be doing?’

“We got to our hotel and she goes ‘do you guys mind if I come up and use your toilet?’

“So I’ve gone, so naive to it, ‘yeah, come up and do a s**t if you want to do a s**t’.

“Kenna and my mate are going ‘nah you can’t come up’.

“Turns out she was a prostitute and their scam is they try to weasel their way into your room and then their pimp or something will come to your door and try to extort you for money, saying you hired her.”

Originally published as NRL Las Vegas double header: Ugly accusation rocks NRL in Vegas