Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Roosters’ Spencer Leniu Escalates Thurston Feud with Social Media Attack
Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu has intensified his ongoing feud with NRL icon Johnathan Thurston, launching a stinging social media retort aimed at clarifying his perspective on their recent sideline altercation. The incident, reportedly stemming from Thurston’s commentary following Leniu’s suspension in the wake of the Ezra Mam racism scandal, unfolded during and after the Roosters’ victory over the Brisbane Broncos.
Leniu’s Social Media Response
Leniu has faced scrutiny following reports of confrontations with Thurston both during and after the Sydney Roosters’ triumph over the Brisbane Broncos on Friday. The Roosters player publicly addressed the situation via social media, seeking to provide his account of the exchanges.
Leniu’s Instagram post branded Thurston as ‘two-faced’ and ‘fake’ in a further scathing critique.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Leniu’s apparent frustration stems from Thurston’s perceived differential treatment compared to Ezra Mam.
Mam faced suspension following a car accident in Brisbane where he was found to be under the influence of drugs.
In his social media post, Leniu asserted, “I never initiated conversation with JT. He persistently attempted to speak to me!”
Leniu’s post continued, “‘I stated, ‘Lad, I don’t care if you disapprove of my past actions. However, don’t approach me with superficial inquiries as if we are on amicable terms.'”
“‘Avoid being duplicitous. Dislike me if you wish, I am comfortable with that. But refrain from being disingenuous. I have no tolerance for insincere individuals.'”
Sideline Confrontation Details
The heated exchange between Sydney Roosters player Spencer Leniu and Johnathan Thurston is believed to have been ignited by remarks made by the NRL analyst after the Vegas season opener last year. The confrontation reportedly occurred during and after the Roosters’ 26-16 victory against the Brisbane Broncos. Leniu, recognized for his robust playing style, allegedly directed a verbal outburst at Thurston as he exited the field in the final quarter of the game.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the Roosters prop used offensive language towards Thurston as he passed the sideline commentary team.
The Channel Nine commentator was reportedly taken aback and sought clarification regarding the outburst’s motivation.
Sources suggest that Thurston approached Leniu post-game in the tunnel, questioning, “What is your issue?” Leniu allegedly responded with further offensive language, directing insults at the former Cowboys captain.
Sydney Roosters’ Spencer Leniu confronts NRL personality Johnathan Thurston following the Brisbane Broncos match on Friday.
Leniu allegedly confronted Thurston on two occasions, using abusive language in incidents reportedly linked to comments after the Vegas game last year.
Roots of the Tension: Vegas Incident and Thurston’s Criticism
The dispute is thought to originate from unresolved tensions surrounding the prior year’s racism controversy involving Brisbane Broncos player Ezra Mam. Leniu received an eight-week suspension after verbally abusing Mam during the NRL’s Las Vegas season kickoff, using a racial slur. This game marked the first time Leniu had faced the Brisbane Broncos since that highly publicized incident.
Thurston, a prominent Indigenous figure in the sport, openly criticized the disciplinary action imposed upon Leniu.
Last year, Thurston stated, “The NRL missed a significant opportunity to establish a firm stance, not just for the sport but for society as a whole.”
He added, “I believe the eight-week suspension is inadequate considering the nature of the remarks and the emotional distress caused.”
On Friday, simmering tensions appeared to escalate when Leniu reportedly voiced his discontent regarding Thurston’s prior statements directly to him.
Intervention and Aftermath
Brisbane Broncos veteran Ben Hunt was observed attempting to diffuse the escalating situation. Roosters player Siua Wong also reportedly intervened to calm Leniu.
Channel Nine had initially advertised Thurston to conduct post-match interviews inside the Roosters’ dressing room. However, following the incident, fellow commentator Cameron Smith substituted him.
This was Leniu’s first encounter with the Brisbane Broncos since their contentious match in Vegas.
During their previous encounter in the United States, Broncos player Ezra Mam lodged a complaint with the referee alleging racial vilification by Leniu.
Thurston opted not to enter the dressing room and waited at the stadium for almost an hour to speak with Roosters coach Trent Robinson. It is understood he expressed concerns regarding Leniu’s behavior during the heated exchanges.
Robinson subsequently verified the discussion but strongly defended his player.
“A conversation occurred, but from my observation, no lines were crossed,” he stated.
“I’m unclear as to why – Spencer, he didn’t initiate contact with anyone. I’m unsure why the focus is being directed at Spence here.”
Robinson dismissed the notion that the Las Vegas incident was a factor on Leniu’s mind leading up to the Broncos game.
“No, not to my knowledge. It was not mentioned at all,” he affirmed.
He commended Leniu’s performance that evening, noting he played “with intensity and composure.”
Thurston has not publicly addressed the clash since, but colleagues indicate he was evidently disturbed by the events.
The NRL has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. Footage of the sideline altercation is believed to exist as it was likely captured by Channel Nine cameras.