Huge rugby league star investigated after racist slur accusation

Disappointingly, the opportunity to see rugby league on a big stage in America has been spoilt somewhat.

For years, rugby league has been trying to crack the American market. Leeds Rhinos defeated South Sydney Rabbitohs in a friendly in America back in 2008 on Australia Day organised partly by Russell Crowe and the Rhinos returned to defeat America’s national side in 2015.

In 2018, England and New Zealand met in Denver in a mid-season Test Match but it was these two NRL games in front of 40,000 fans which was set to really give rugby league a chance to shine in America.

Promoted even by the likes of Dwayne The Rock Johnson and others, the NRL and rugby league headed over to Vegas for a brilliant opening weekend to their season but it was spoilt by a serious accusation.

Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam has accused Sydney Roosters star Spencer Leniu of using a racial slur against him.

Now Zero Tackle are reporting that the incident has been placed on report and will be investigated.

This was not the only incident to taint the double header with a Manly Sea Eagles supporter left bloodied after an altercation in the crowd.

Rugby league stars speak on controversy

Many have had their say on the accusation including Brisbane Broncos boss Kevin Walters.

“He’s pretty upset in there,” Walters said according to the Daily Mail, “He’s adamant (there was a slur), but we’ll leave it with the NRL. They’re looking at it.

“We certainly support Ezra and our player and everything that’s around that.”

Broncos captain Adam Reynolds said he personally had not heard the slur, but was shocked by the allegation.

“In this day and age, you wouldn’t think this is still out there,’ Reynolds said, “I was well away from it. But we support our player. He is pretty upset in there.

“We certainly don’t stand for racism and we’ll support Ezra and get around him, make sure he’s alright.”

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson said he had not spoken to Samoan Test representative Leniu about the allegation yet, but said it was important a process was followed.

“He obviously made the complaint, but that doesn’t mean that it’s right,” Robinson said.

“It’ll go through the formal process as it should.”