Exercise Caution: Trent Robinson Backs Spencer Leniu Following Post-Match Outburst at Johnathan Thurston

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has come to the defence of star player Spencer Leniu after footage emerged of a tense exchange between the forward and Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston, now a Nine commentator, following their match on Friday night.

After the Roosters secured a 26-16 victory over the Broncos, The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Leniu allegedly confronted Thurston to express his dissatisfaction regarding comments made by the former Queensland and Australian representative.

It has been suggested that Leniu’s outburst was triggered by the controversial incident involving Ezra Mam last year in Las Vegas, for which Leniu faced severe penalties from the NRL after calling Mam a monkey during a match.

A source revealed to the publication that Thurston was taken aback when Leniu exited the field with 20 minutes remaining and reportedly referred to him as “a f—wit.”

After the game, Leniu allegedly approached Thurston again and called him a “f—ing c—.”

The report further details that Leniu’s teammate Siua Wong intervened, with News Corp stating that Broncos stalwart Ben Hunt also played a role in separating the two.

Robinson confirmed he was aware of a “discussion” between Leniu and Thurston, but urged the media to “exercise caution” regarding the narrative being presented.

“There was a discussion, but from what I observed, there was no line crossed,” Robinson stated.

“I’m not sure why – Spencer wasn’t the one who approached anyone. I don’t understand why you’re placing the blame on Spence here, it seems like that’s what you’re trying to do.”

“The questions being posed suggest there’s a predetermined opinion. It was simply two men having a conversation, which might have heated up a bit. But as far as I know, nothing offensive was uttered, and it was about an incident that warranted discussion.”

Leniu had previously been penalised for referring to Broncos Indigenous player Ezra Mam as a monkey, receiving an eight-week ban.

At that time, Thurston expressed that the punishment should have been harsher.

“The NRL had a prime opportunity to make a statement, not just for the game, but for society as well,” Thurston remarked on Nine’s Today last year.

“I believe the game has missed the mark in this situation. The eight-week ban is inadequate when considering the impact such comments have and the historical trauma faced by our culture since colonisation. This was a chance to implement a blanket 12-week ban for all forms of racial vilification for those found guilty.”