Roosters firebrand Spencer Leniu and Queensland legend Johnathan Thurston have reportedly had a dramatic confrontation during the Tricolours’ 26-16 win over the Broncos.
According to CODE Sports, the duo’s altercation stemmed from the racism scandal that involved the prop at the start of the 2024 season.
Leniu allegedly called Thurston a “f***wit” after coming from the field late in the game, with the former Cowboys halfback commentating for Channel 9.
Watch your team in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership. Stream every round LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.
Thurston reportedly responded and asked: “What’s your problem?” He later refused to enter the Roosters’ sheds for post-match interviews after being rattled by the incident, CODE reported.
Leniu was suspended for eight games after he called Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam a “monkey”, with their Friday night clash marking the first time the NSW representative had faced Brisbane since their Las Vegas match-up.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson was asked about the altercation in the post-match press conference, launching a staunch defence of his player.
“There’s a discussion there, but from what I saw there wasn’t any crossing the line there,” Robinson said.
“I don’t know why, Spencer, he didn’t go and approach anybody. I don’t know why you’re trying to put it on Spence here… you guys are trying to put it on Spencer here.
“This is the way the questions are coming, you guys just have got to be careful the way that you guys are asking questions as well.
“I don’t think it’s on anyone, I think it is a discussion between two men. So cool your jets when it comes to accusations around somebody, the way you guys are questioning there you’ve already formed an opinion.
“Two guys having a conversation, it might get heated. But nothing wrong was said, as far as I know and it was about an incident and that’s okay for guys to have that conversation.”
Smith in the bin after Walsh high shot! | 00:31
MORE NRL NEWS
BIG HITS: Smith double leads Roosters to Broncos boilover as Teddy outpoints Walsh
‘THERE YOU GO FLANAGAN!’: Dragons’ ‘money man’ brings back try celebration
‘UNAVOIDABLE’: Panthers flyer sin-binned for high shot as legend doubts crackdown
‘BACK AT HOME WORKING’: Whirlwind year that transformed reborn Broncos star
Robinson also said that he believed “someone speaking their opinion, I think is good in this game”.
“They just had a discussion on the sideline, I don’t think the details are really clear yet but it’s just two passionate guys having a conversation about differences of opinion I think.
He also denied that Leniu had any concerns regarding his first appearance against the Broncos since his suspension last season, or any grievances with Thurston.
“No, not that I know of, it wasn’t mentioned at all. I thought he was outstanding tonight, I thought he played with intensity and control he needed,” Robinson said.
“I thought he was great tonight, people are always going to have differences of opinion and you can voice that, it’s okay to say ‘I don’t agree with you’.
Madge responds to shock loss | 05:37
“Both sides, there’s no harm done on either side, people aren’t always going to agree but that’s life isn’t it. As long as people don’t cross the line or say the wrong thing.”
Thurston was one of the loudest voices in disagreeing with Leniu’s eight-game ban last season, claiming the NRL needed to hand down a harsher penalty.
“The NRL had a great opportunity there to make a stand, not only for the game but for society as well,” Thurston said following the NRL’s decision.
“I think sports people are held to a higher standard than the rest of the community. But I think the game has failed in this instance.
“I don’t think the eight weeks is sufficient for what has been said and for the mental scars that have been brought up. And what our culture has endured over the history, since colonisation.
“I thought it was a great opportunity to go 12 weeks (and a) blanket ban for all racial verification if you are found guilty.”
Discussion about this post