Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
NRL Legend Johnathan Thurston Addresses Sideline Stoush with Spencer Leniu
Rugby league icon Johnathan Thurston has publicly spoken about a heated exchange with Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu. The confrontation occurred both during and after Friday night’s National Rugby League (NRL) match at Suncorp Stadium, reigniting tensions from the previous year’s Las Vegas racism controversy involving Leniu and Brisbane Broncos player Ezra Mam.
Background to the Incident
The on-field disagreement is rooted in the fallout from the prior season when Spencer Leniu admitted to racially vilifying Indigenous player Ezra Mam, using a term likened to “monkey.” Leniu received an eight-game suspension for the racial slur. At the time, Thurston advocated for stringent 12-match bans for any player found guilty of racial abuse.
Friday Night’s Confrontation
The initial clash between Leniu and Thurston transpired during the second half of the Roosters’ 26-16 victory over the Broncos. Thurston was providing sideline commentary for broadcaster Nine when Leniu was being substituted. Sources indicate that Thurston approached Leniu post-match seeking clarification, which led to a further verbal altercation.
Insiders suggest Thurston was disturbed by the exchange, alleging Leniu used offensive language, reportedly calling him a ‘f***wit’ and, according to The Sydney Morning Herald,