Souths have stood by Latrell Mitchell in the face of criticism of his outspoken response to Spencer Leniu’s racial slur towards Ezra Mam as Brad Fittler weighed in on the commentary from players.
Mitchell has been active on social media standing up for Mam and Indigenous people affected by racism and called for a potential ban of half a season or more.
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Mundine’s shock take on Lenui’s slur | 00:58
Section 31 of the NRL’s code of conduct states that “no club or person bound by this code shall comment adversely on, or with respect to… any matter which has been, is, or is likely to be, the subject of a proceeding before the ARLC, the NRL Judiciary, the Match Review Committee.”
Fittler believes there are better ways to support Mam than breaking the NRL’s code of conduct in commenting on matters before the judiciary.
“Why doesn’t everyone ring Ezra? Why does everything have to be done on social media?” Fittler said on Channel 9s The Sunday Footy Show.
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“The NRL has rules where you can’t come out and make comments about situations that are going to judiciary. So they should be in trouble.
“If you want to support Ezra, ring him up. Go and see him. That’s how you support someone.”
Former NRL player and boxing legend Anthony Mundine initiated a feud with Mitchell by saying he had to earn the right to speak out with more consistent performances on the field in a bizarre take from a fellow Indigenous man.
Mundine claimed Mitchell has been “underperforming far too long” and should “earn the right to talk”.
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Spencer Leniu apologises & pleads guilty | 01:41
However, South Sydney teammate Keaon Koloamatangi backed Mitchell to make the right decisions when it comes to being a role model in the community and speaking on matters he feels are important for the community.
“[Mitchell] will say something if something doesn’t feel right and we all back him,” Koloamatangi told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“Everything that he says, he doesn’t say something for no reason … because he has that public figure and authority, people listen to him and he has an effect on people in the community.
“He’s a great role model for young kids, especially his people and Indigenous people and he’ll continue to be that leader going forward.”
Leniu will front the judiciary on Monday night with a ban of four to eight weeks expected to await the Roosters enforcer after he admitted to calling Mam a derogatory word.
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