Roosters forward Spencer Leniu is set to face the NRL Judiciary on Monday night to determine the consequences of his actions, having been charged with a contrary conduct offense during his team’s victory over the Broncos in Las Vegas. The alleged incident involved a racial slur against Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam, prompting Leniu to be referred directly to the NRL Judiciary for the incident that took place at Allegiant Stadium.
The judiciary panel, consisting of former international Bob Lindner and ex-referee Sean Hampstead, will be chaired by NRL judiciary chair Geoffrey Bellew, SC. Leniu has already admitted guilt to the charge and issued an apology to Mam through a statement released by the Roosters on Thursday.
In the statement, Leniu expressed regret, stating, “I want to apologize to Ezra and his family for using the word I did, and I am sincerely sorry to cause him such distress. 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.”
The incident occurred in the 69th minute of the match, leading referee Adam Gee to put Leniu on report after Mam made the allegation against the Roosters prop. Leniu now faces the consequences of the Contrary Conduct charge.
Roosters CEO Joe Kelly conveyed the team’s apologies to Ezra, his family, and the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, offering support to all parties involved. Kelly emphasized Leniu’s openness and honesty throughout the process and pledged ongoing support for the player.
