Dual-code international Lote Tuqiri has accused Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson of “gaslighting” Ezra Mam after the Brisbane five-eighth alleged he was the victim of racial abuse from Spencer Leniu.
Tuqiri’s comments come as Leniu’s former coach at Penrith, Ivan Cleary, claimed the alleged racial slur was “out of character” for the ex-Panthers forward.
On Monday, Leniu was referred straight to the NRL judiciary after the allegation came to light following the competition’s season-opening games in Las Vegas.
Mam claimed the Roosters prop labelled him a “monkey” during one of several flashpoints in the game.
Robinson was forced to confront the incident in his post-game press conference, saying: “He (Mam) obviously made the complaint, but that doesn’t mean it’s right … It will go through the formal process, as it should”.
But that response drew the ire of former Broncos winger Tuqiri, who posted on social media site X: “If a player says he’s been racially vilified on a footy field, it’s happened! You can mask it and say it’s in the heat of the battle, etc etc.
“But I don’t get how Trent Robinson sits in a post match press conference and accuses Ezra of not being right. ‘Doesn’t mean it’s right’ is some sort of gaslighting rubbish I didn’t think would come out of Trent Robinson’s mouth.
“Especially after the great way he handled Latrell’s abuse from his own fans last year. I’m behind Ezra all the way calling this stuff out.”
Mam has found plenty of support from rival NRL clubs, with South Sydney’s Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell both voicing their concern for his treatment.
Leniu is likely facing a lengthy suspension if found guilty.
At Leniu’s old club, Penrith, coach Cleary admitted his surprise that the prop was accused of racial abuse.
The front-rower thrived under Cleary’s guidance and went on play in three grand final wins for the Panthers coach.
“I am surprised (that he was accused of something like that) … it’s out of character from what I can see,” Cleary said.
“I would say it’s out of character.
“It’s going through the channels with the NRL now, so everything is being investigated.
“We’ll see where it leads, but I would say it’s out of character.”
Leniu will not have the chance to front the NRL judiciary until the Roosters return to Australia, which is expected to be on Tuesday.
