LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 02: Spencer Leniu of the Roosters rusn the ball during the round one NRL match between Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos at Allegiant Stadium, on March 02, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Brisbane Broncos standout Ezra Mam and Sydney Roosters newcomer Spencer Leniu have spoken out about the racism controversy stemming from their Las Vegas game upon returning to Australia. In a late-game incident, Leniu was placed on report and later charged by the Match Review Committee following a formal complaint by Mam to referee Adam Gee, alleging that Leniu used a racial slur, referring to Mam as a ‘monkey.’ The situation extended off-field, with reports indicating a post-game confrontation between Broncos players and Leniu at the Hilton hotel in Resorts World.
Reports suggest that in a subsequent altercation, Leniu verbally targeted Ezra Mam before teammate Patrick Carrigan intervened in defense. Mam, a proud Indigenous Australian, has now broken his silence, expressing gratitude for the support he has received. Mam conveyed his appreciation at Brisbane airport, stating, “I just want to say thank you for the support from everyone that’s reached out,” as reported by The Courier Mail.
Mam concluded his statement with, “That’s all the comments I have for now.” Notably, he has received support from fellow NRL players, including Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Chad Townsend, and Nicho Hynes, as the NRL continues its efforts to eliminate racism from the sport.
Spencer Leniu, upon arriving at Sydney airport, also broke his silence but opted not to provide comments on the situation.
Spencer Leniu, speaking via 9News on Tuesday, stated, “I’m not allowed to comment on that right now. I can’t comment.” This comes after Leniu’s earlier remarks post-game, where he told Triple M Radio that the incident was nothing serious and all in good fun. In Las Vegas, Leniu expressed, “Nah, nothing, it’s all just fun and games on the field, and that’s it. I’m not worried at all.”
