Spencer Leniu has been blasted for his alleged racial slur against Ezra Mam after he was one of the four original poster boys for the Las Vegas experiment before souring a great weekend.
Leniu is facing a big suspension after being referred to the judiciary for allegedly calling Mam “a monkey” in the Roosters’ win over the Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
“There was an unsavoury incident with an allegation of one player against another,” Braith Anasta said on NRL 360.
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“Whenever a player goes to a referee and makes an official complaint it is normally pretty serious, especially about racism, which just shouldn’t be in our game at all.
“It is very unfortunate for everyone really.”
Paul Kent slammed the nature and timing of the serious racial allegation on a weekend the game did so much work to sell the sport to a new market.
“I think the big thing that we have got to remember is the millions of dollars it took to bring this game here to America to sell the game to get the game broadcast in America and then we come up with this,” Kent said.
“This is a country that is particularly sensitive to those types of allegations. For the life of me I don’t know how it happens.
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“Spencer Leniu was interviewed on the field after the game and he tried to dismiss it as just fun and games. He tried to make out that he wouldn’t confirm what was actually said.
“He talked it down as something that is just fun and games and something that happens between two players and it is fairly common.
“The NRL will investigate this. It will either come under the match review or the racial vilification code as far as the investigation goes.
“The fact the Broncos are standing by Mam forces the NRL to come in and look at that. This is the scene and it is going to grow into something much bigger.”
Kent believes the timing of the incident was potentially devastating to the game and their aims in going to Las Vegas after a year of careful planning.
“I honestly can’t believe it has happened here on this stage,” Kent said.
“Given everyone knew the importance of this as a promotion. Obviously it shouldn’t happen at any time. All the wowsers out there will say it should never happen and of course it should never happen.
“But in particular this time. The fact that so much has been spent.”
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‘Back to the form that made him the best | 01:48
Phil Rothfield believes racism has no place in the NRL no matter where it is being played, which sparked a tense debate.
“I don’t think it matters where it happens,” Rothfield said.
“I don’t think it matters when or where.”
“It should never happen, but it is bad timing,” Anasta interjected.
“The players should be overly cautious,” Kent added.
Rothfield praised the Broncos for making a complaint even allowing for the importance of the weekend and the on-field spectacle.
“I actually applaud the Broncos for making an allegation and not withdrawing it and not leaving it on the football field as we have seen time and again in rugby league,” Rothfield said.
“Something has been said and they wanted it fully investigated.
“Kevin Walters and the Broncos are right behind Ezra Mam. It is a no go.”
“No one is disputing it is a no go,” Kent said.
“We have come so far as a game on racial issues,” Rothfield said.
‘The league should stamp down hard’ | 01:22
James Hooper believes Leniu is facing a long time on the sidelines if found guilty.
“If the allegation is proven and the match review committee ultimately punish Spencer Leniu, he will be looking at significant time on the sidelines, I would suggest,” Hooper said.
Kent questioned if Leniu’s punishment should be more severe given the importance of the game he was playing in Las Vegas.
“Should the fact that it has happened here and the fact that the NRL have put so much into the promotion of this game mean it should carry extra penalty?” Kent said.
“Is that fair or unfair?”
“I think that would be unfair,” Rothfield replied.
Spencer Leniu charged as the NRL reacts | 04:51
“Look if you gouge someone out here, it is the same as gouging someone at Kogarah Oval.
“I know what you are saying with the impact it will have.”
“This is not a normal game though Buzz,” Kent said.
Hooper pointed out the good work Leniu did to sell the game in December as one of four players sent to promote the game, but believes he will be severely punished by the NRL.
“Spencer Leniu was one of the players who came over here in December on the promotional tour that were really trying to push rugby league and this experiment into the local market,” Hooper said.
“I have got to say he did a fantastic job. He was such a good fella. I hadn’t met him previously.
“But if this is proven to be true, I think he is going to be looking at a big stint.”
“Racism is a no go and we don’t want it anywhere near our game or society,” Anasta concluded.
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