Allegations of racial abuse emerged on the pitch at the NRL’s grand season launch in Las Vegas, an incident that had been greeted with enthusiasm by the rugby league community.
Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam Torres Strait Islanders complained to referee Adam Gee during the second game at Allegiant Stadium, which the Roosters won 20-10, alleging opposition forward Spencer Lenew (Black Panthers premiership player and Samoa international) racist remarks.
When asked about Gee’s report, Leniu responded: “Why would I say that?”. Asked about the incident in a post-match radio interview, Lenue said: “It’s all fun and games on the pitch.” The Roosters have contacted Lenue to request a response to the allegations.
According to reports, Broncos players confronted Leniu at the team hotel after the game, and there was a verbal altercation, but there was no threat of a physical altercation.
Brisbane coach Kevin Walters said Mum was “firm” about the complaint and the club supported the five-eighth. “Ezra is extremely upset and we will refer the matter to NRL Police for adjudication.”
The incident left a sour aftertaste for rugby league’s historic adventure in the United States and prompted a warning from Souths defender and Aboriginal All-Stars captain Latrell Mitchell. “Barra, I stand with you,” he posted on Instagram. “The NRL better deal with this.”
Brisbane star Rhys Walsh highlighted how deeply the incident affected her mum. “It’s disgusting that we still have this stuff in our game and I really feel for a good mate of mine,” he told Channel 9. “For something like this to happen, it just takes the luster out of what we’re trying to build here.”
Sunday’s season-opening doubleheader in Nevada is primarily intended to expand the game’s international broadcast and gambling revenue. The success of this mission will not be apparent until near the end of the five-year commitment. But the immediate reaction was praise.
Manly five-eighth Luke Brooks described the Seahawks’ 36-24 win over the Rabbitohs as a “pinch yourself moment”. Maroons legend and Fox Sports commentator Gorden Tallis was even more enthusiastic. “I’m excited to be a part of rugby league. We’ve been so humble for so long… you come into this stadium and put on this product. That’s how our game has grown.”
Outside the stadium, Las Vegas police Lt. Kendall Bell said there were no issues with Australian fans or players over the weekend. “Everyone is very respectful,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald. “They did everything we liked them to do. I hope they had a great time too. I think they enjoyed themselves and did so responsibly.”
The Roosters don’t start play until Sunday, March 17, when they face Manly at Brookvale Oval. NRL round one action continues on Thursday with the Knights hosting the Raiders in Newcastle.
