An on-field allegation of racism during the NRL’s lavish season launch in Las Vegas has marred an event that had otherwise 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 fixture at Allegiant Stadium, won by the Roosters 20-10, alleging opposing forward Spencer Leniu – a Panthers premiership player and Samoa international – made a racist comment.
When placed on report by Gee, Leniu responded, “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 field.” Leniu has been approached through the Roosters for a response to the allegation.
Broncos players reportedly confronted Leniu inside the team hotel after the match, 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 is backing the five-eighth. “Ezra is pretty upset, we will leave that in the hands of the NRL to police and adjudicate on.”
The matter left a sour aftertaste from rugby league’s historic venture in the US and drew a warning from Latrell Mitchell, Souths’ fullback and captain of the Indigenous All Stars. “I stand with you Bala,” he posted on Instagram. “NRL better deal with this shit.”
Brisbane star Reece Walsh underlined how deeply it had affected Mam. “It’s disgusting we still have that stuff in our game, and I really feel for one of my good mates,” he told Channel Nine. “For that stuff to happen, it just takes the shine off us trying to build something over here.”
The competition’s season-opening double-header in Nevada on Sunday had been largely to expand the game’s international broadcast and gambling revenues. The success of that mission will not be obvious until closer to the end of the five-year commitment. But the immediate response was one of praise.
Manly five-eighth Luke Brooks described his match, won 36-24 by the Sea Eagles over the Rabbitohs, as a “pinch yourself moment”. Maroons legend and Fox Sports commentator Gorden Tallis was even more effusive. “I’m just so happy to be rugby league. We’ve been so humble for so long … you 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 issues over the weekend from Australian fans or players. “Everyone was respectable,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald. “They did everything we liked them to do. I hope they had a great time as well. I would like to think they enjoyed themselves and did so responsibly.”
The Roosters don’t play until Sunday 17 March, when they meet Manly at Brookvale Oval. The NRL first round continues on Thursday with the Knights hosting the Raiders in Newcastle.
