An allegation of on-field racism at the NRL’s lavish season launch in Las Vegas has marred an event that would otherwise have been warmly received by the rugby league community.
Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam, a Torres Strait Islander complained to referee Adam Gee during the second match at Allegiant Stadium, won by the Roosters 20-10, claiming opponent Spencer Leniu – a player for the Panthers premier and Samoa international – made a racist comment had made.
When Leniu was placed on Gee’s report, he replied: “Why would I say that?”. Leniu was asked about the incident in a radio interview after the match and said: “It’s just all fun and games on the pitch.” Lenui has been contacted by De Hanen for a response to the accusation.
Broncos players reportedly confronted Leniu after the game at the team hotel, when words were exchanged but there was no threat of a physical altercation.
Brisbane coach Kevin Walters said Mam was “adamant” about the complaint and the club supports the five-eighth. “Ezra is quite upset, we will leave that to the police and the NRL to decide.”
The case left a sour taste in the historic enterprise of rugby league in the US and prompted a warning from Latrell Mitchell, the Souths full-back and captain of the Indigenous All Stars. “I support you Bala,” he posted on Instagram. “NRL can handle this shit better.”
Brisbane star Reece Walsh underlined how deeply it had affected mum. “It’s disgusting that we still have that stuff in our game, and I really feel for one of my good friends,” he told Channel Nine. “For things like that to happen, it just takes the shine away from us wanting to build something here.”
The league’s season-opening doubleheader in Nevada on Sunday was largely aimed at expanding the game’s international broadcast and gambling revenues. The success of that mission will only become apparent as the end of the five-year commitment approaches. But the immediate reaction was one of praise.
Male five-eighth Luke Brooks described his match, which the Sea Eagles won 36-24 against the Rabbitohs, as a “pinch yourself moment”. Maroon legend and Fox Sports commentator Gorden Tallis was even more effusive. “I’m so happy I’m playing rugby league. We’ve been so humble for so long… come to this stadium and put on this product. How our game has grown.”
Off the field, Las Vegas police lieutenant Kendall Bell said there were no problems with Australian fans or players this weekend. “Everyone was respectable,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald. “They did everything we wanted them to do. I hope they had fun too. I would like them to enjoy themselves and do it in a responsible way.”
The Roosters don’t play until Sunday, March 17, when they meet Manly at Brookvale Oval. The NRL first round continues on Thursday with the Knights hosting the Raiders in Newcastle.