Second comment emerges as NRL racism scandal takes explosive turn

The NRL was shocked when the term “monkey” was used during the Las Vegas event. Now a second comment has come to light.

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

Spencer Leniu is reported to have kept secret a derogatory comment directed towards him during the Roosters’ Las Vegas win over the Broncos.

The NRL has been left in shock since Leniu was accused of making a racist comment to Brisbane’s Ezra Mam. Leniu has since pleaded guilty to an NRL charge.

He will face an NRL tribunal hearing this week to learn his punishment.

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Now News Corp reports Leniu first received a derogatory comment made by a Broncos player before his comment was made to Mam.

According to the report, Leniu has only told those close to him about the derogatory comment and will not “snitch” on the Broncos player involved.

Leniu has come under fire in recent days for the explosive fall-out to the incident.

Mam last week was reported to have rejected a face-to-face apology from Leniu.

Veteran News Corp journalist Phil Rothfield told Sky Sports Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast on Sunday he expects Leniu to get a “four to six-week” suspension.

“There is talk that a Broncos player made a very derogatory remark to Spencer Leniu that led to his brain explosion,” Rothfield said, adding Leniu is reluctant to “snitch” on the player.

“He has privately confirmed this.

“He’s a different sort of dude though, he was brought up on the streets of Mount Druitt and they have this thing where you just don’t snitch and don’t dob anyone in.”

Channel 9 journalist Danny Weidler wrote in his Sydney Morning Herald column: “There’s no question his comment wasn’t made without other comments coming his way, but he won’t go down that path.”

Leniu was still getting feisty off the field. Picture: NRL Photos

The former Panthers premiership player called Mam a “monkey” on the field late in the Las Vegas match.

The Courier Mail has reported that Leniu offered to dig into his own pocket to fly to Brisbane to meet Mam face-to-face and personally apologise.

The Roosters had discussed plans to set up a formal meeting, while Mam’s mother, who is an Indigenous elder and played a key role in the Deadly Choices program in Queensland, had also been made aware of Leniu’s offer.

But Mam, who was reportedly in tears after the match, is still seething over the comment and knocked back the Roosters’ offer to apologise.

Mam, who himself is a former Indigenous dancer, had been willing to tell the NRL judiciary his side of events before Leniu pleaded guilty on Thursday.

Mam after returning to Australia. Photo: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Mam at training. Photo: Zak Simmonds.

Before pleading guilty, Leniu had previously said the incident was “all fun and games” on the field but was referred directly to the judiciary, which will be held on Monday night.

Leniu had also called for the Broncos to settle the affair at the hotel, leading to reports of an ugly clash after dinner following the game.

On Thursday, Leniu admitted he did use the word “monkey” on-field during the historic fixture and entered a guilty plea to the charge, with speculation the suspension could be between six and 10 weeks.

“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.”

But there was a decided chill from the Broncos in reply.

“The Brisbane Broncos acknowledge the statement from the Sydney Roosters today addressing an incident involving our player Ezra Mam in last 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.”

Mam was back at training on Friday and Broncos assistant coach John Cartwright said the club had rallied behind the 21-year-old.

“He’s had plenty of support,” Cartwright said.

“He’s a great young kid, Ez. He’s very popular within the group. He will be fine.

“He is a very level-headed young kid. He’s dealt with it the way it had to be dealt with.

“The club’s dealt with it and it’s up to the NRL now.

“As a footballer, the best place to be is with your teammates. I love the way they all pulled together and the fact we’re all here together today (is great).

“As a footballer, in good times and bad times you want to be among your teammates.”

Originally published as Second comment emerges as NRL racism scandal takes explosive turn