Spencer Leniu has expressed his desire to remain with the Roosters for life as a gesture of gratitude for their unwavering support during the racism scandal that resulted in his eight-match suspension for calling Broncos’ five-eighth Ezra Mam a “monkey” in Las Vegas.
Leniu was just one game into his Roosters career when he received the lengthy suspension. Coach Trent Robinson and other club officials stood by him throughout the judiciary hearing.
The powerful forward claimed he was unaware the term was racist and had attempted to meet with Mam in Queensland to apologize. He also acknowledged that he expects backlash from Queensland fans in his first State of Origin series.
Despite facing significant online hate, Leniu was supported by the Roosters, who stood by him every step of the way. “It was pretty tough, but tough times never last,” he said.
“I have to give a massive shout-out to the Roosters. Those who know will always know what they did for me. I’m grateful for the time and the effort they put into me because they put their reputation on the line.
“I’ve been playing for the last three weeks, and my mindset was just on repaying what they invested in me. I’m grateful to be part of such a prestigious club. I didn’t know too much about the Roosters when I signed, but I definitely know what they’re about now. If it was my choice, I’d love to be a part of the club for life.”
Leniu said the incident clarified who the important people in his life were.
“If there was advice I could give young ones coming up, it’d be to know who your circle is. When you go through tough times like that, you’ll know really quickly who your circle is. The only opinions that matter are the ones in your circle.
“[Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, and Stephen Crichton] are a few of the guys in my circle. Why we have such a great relationship is because we’ve ridden the highest of highs and the lowest of lows together, and that’s special. That’s a bond and brotherhood that is unbreakable, and when you go through a time like that, that’s how you know who your brothers are.
“No one was talking to me for eight weeks except those who were in my circle, and they are the only ones who matter. Stay staunch to who you are and what you believe.”
Leniu thought his chances of an Origin debut this year were slim, given he only had three games to impress Blues selectors after his suspension. However, NSW coach Michael Maguire was impressed and gave him the good news over the weekend.
“I honestly didn’t think I’d be on Madge’s radar. When I got the call from him, I wondered if he’d called the wrong number,” Leniu said. “I was just at home watching Ozark on Netflix with my missus. I was so shocked I didn’t know what to say.”
Former Panthers teammate