Huge Rugby league star hit with monster ban over alleged racial slur

In a special occasion for rugby league, the NRL took the sport of rugby league to America and in front of a crowd of nearly 50,000 fans.

For years, rugby league has been striving to break into the American market. We saw England take on New Zealand in Denver whilst Leeds Rhinos have had games over in America in the recent past.

In a game put on by Russell Crowe for Australia Day in 2008, Leeds defeated South Sydney Rabbitohs 26-24 before beating the United States national side in 2015.

However, rugby league has never really cracked America but this double header of NRL action in Las Vegas was a huge success but tainted by the fact Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam accused opponent Spencer Leniu of using a racist slur in a bad look for rugby league.

Rugby League star pleads guilty

Roosters forward Spencer Leniu entered an early guilty plea to the contrary conduct charge he received after being accused of a racial slur against Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam but has still been hit with a massive eight match ban.

Leniu was referred straight to the NRL Judiciary over the incident with the Roosters releasing a statement on Thursday saying that Leniu would plead guilty to the charge.

“I want to apologise to Ezra and his family for using the word I did and I am sincerely sorry to cause him such distress,” Leniu said.

“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 clash at Allegiant Stadium, with referee Adam Gee placing Leniu on report after Mam made the allegation against the Roosters prop.

Leniu was subsequently charged with Contrary Conduct. His case will be heard at the NRL Judiciary at 6.15pm on Monday night.

“We extend our deepest apologies to Ezra, his family and the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and offer our support to all parties during this time,” said Roosters CEO Joe Kelly.

“Spencer has been completely open and honest throughout this process, and we will continue to support him.”

The Broncos issued a statement, acknowledging Leniu’s apology to Mam and the importance of taking that step.

“There is no place for racism in our game or in our society,” the statement said. “Ezra’s wellbeing has been our primary concern from the start. He has been well-supported within our club and we will continue to focus on that in the time ahead.”