- Footage has emerged of Spencer Leniu allegedly targeting racist abuse
- Leniu is accused of calling Ezra Mam a “monkey” in Las Vegas
- His case is expected to be heard next week
New footage has emerged of the alleged moment Spencer Leniu used a racial slur at football rival Ezra Mam.
On Monday, the NRL match review committee accused the 23-year-old Roosters forward of unruly behavior and referred him straight to the NRL judiciary after Mam claimed the Roosters star called him a ‘monkey’.
Rather than denying the accusation outright, Leniu told Triple M after the match: “I tI think it’s all fun and games when we’re on the field. That is it.’
When Leniu was further asked if he was concerned about the possible consequences, he replied: “Not concerned at all.”
Broncos coach Kevin Walters said after the game that Mom was “adamant” he heard it correctly, while audio from the game showed his Broncos teammates were also confident they heard the alleged “monkey” insult .
New footage has emerged of the alleged racist insult directed at Ezra Mam by Spencer Leniu
Broncos star Mom was called a ‘monkey’ by Leniu in Las Vegas
Roosters star Leniu is expected to appear before the NRL panel next week
On Wednesday, Brisbane star Billy Walters said he would be willing to testify to the commission about the incident which allegedly occurred in the 69th minute, with footage showing the five-eighth was very close to Leniu at the time of the alleged incident.
“This (view) came to light today. The NRL attempted to locate audio of the incident but were unable to do so,” Fox League’s James Hooper said.
“Billy was interviewed this morning and he confirmed that he and I believe it is also Payne Haas are willing to go to the judiciary and make a statement if necessary.
“They were near where the alleged incident took place.”
Paul Kent added: ‘If there is an admission of guilt then he (Walters) is not needed. But if he (Leniu) pleads not guilty, Billy Walters will testify.”
The images show Leniu looking at mom and saying something in his direction. Walters responds immediately to what is said and chases after the first rower, continuing to talk to Leniu as the play progresses.
Two tackles later, the alleged slur is reported to referee Adam Gee.
“Looks like Billy heard something. Bear in mind Braith, this is two tackles before the incident was reported to the referee,” Kent said.
Billy Walters (right) says he is willing to testify against Leniu (left)
“Certainly Billy Walters responds to it, certainly Spencer Leniu says something. We are one step further in the chain of evidence because we can see that there is a verbal exchange.
‘You see how Billy Walters immediately turns (towards Leniu). Players can sometimes be deaf to these things, but he responded immediately. So he will claim that what Ezra Mam claims to have said was actually said.”
Leniu is likely to appear in court next Tuesday evening, with Latrell Mitchell, among others, calling for a long-term ban.
In response to Andrew Voss’ prediction that Leniu could miss eight to 12 weeks, Mitchell said on Instagram: “And some…”