Fans were up in arms recently with the actions of Johnathan Thurston and Spencer Leniu. Their exchange played out at Lang Park on Friday. This was just a week after the Sydney Roosters – 26-16 winners over the Brisbane Broncos – were crowned champions of the NRL. As Leniu left the field, he shouted a racist slur at Thurston. This surprised and offended Thurston, who immediately went to Leniu to ask for an explanation.
Thurston wanted to know what Leniu’s statements were, which had allegedly included referring to him as “fake. In return, Leniu showed his own combative attitude, clearly indicating that he wasn’t open to Thurston’s question. Things heated up further when Leniu went on social media, posting that Thurston was two-faced.
Background of the Incident
That’s why the recent scrum between Thurston and Leniu holds us all so completely rapt. This underscores a deeper issue nestled in the National Rugby League’s (NRL) culture. Only last season, Leniu was under suspension for calling Ezra Mam a racial slur during the opening round in Las Vegas. His offensive comment was to refer to Mam as a “monkey,” a comment that drew international outrage.
As a consequence of that act, Leniu was handed an eight-match ban. Given this history, Thurston is trying to be proactive. He’s subsequently called for a “blanket ban” of 12 matches for any player found guilty of racial vilification. This most recent scuffle has thrown the issues of player decorum and league accountability back into the spotlight.
Thurston’s Perspective
Thurston is always willing to listen to any complaint. He does not care to speak to Leniu or the Sydney Roosters Club after what has occurred in recent days. He noted that he’s still willing to negotiate and hash-out complaints behind closed doors, illustrating his dedication to working out problems in a constructive manner.
“A further conversation took place later with Roosters officials and Spencer outside the sheds. I remain available if Spencer or the Roosters would like to discuss this matter privately.” – Johnathan Thurston
Thurston defended Leniu’s aggressive response to their confrontation, calling it “unjustified”. His words speak to a larger fear over the loss of honor and decorum among the game’s top level players.
Leniu’s Response
In the wake of the incident, Leniu went on social media to reflect on the encounter. He set an unmistakably hostile tone, letting Thurston know from the start that he resented her line of questioning and expressing his displeasure in no uncertain terms.
“Lad idc [I don’t care] if that you hate me for what I did. But don’t come up to me asking me questions like we’re Algood [sic].” – Spencer Leniu
This comment serves to better showcase the lack of collaboration between the two actors and underscores Leniu’s rejection to work positively with Thurston.
