Spencer Leniu and Johnathan Thurston In Heated Exchange

A heated exchange erupted between Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu and NRL legend Johnathan Thurston during and after the Roosters' victory over the Brisbane Broncos. The confrontation was reportedly fueled by Thurston's past criticism of Leniu's eight-week suspension for racially vilifying Ezra Mam, which Thurston deemed too lenient. Leniu, who allegedly called Thurston derogatory names during the match, expressed his frustration over Thurston's perceived hypocrisy, as Thurston remained silent when Mam was involved in a separate incident. Despite the altercation, Roosters coach Trent Robinson defended Leniu, suggesting that the media might be unfairly pre-judging the situation. Footage of the incident was captured, and an intervention by teammates helped de-escalate the tension. Channel Nine had planned for Thurston to conduct post-match interviews, but he was replaced following the incident.