Explosive Sideline Clash: Spencer Leniu Confronts Johnathan Thurston in Fiery Post-Match Blow-Up

A tense confrontation erupted at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, involving Sydney Roosters prop Spencer Leniu and NRL legend Johnathan Thurston. The incident unfolded during the Roosters’ 26-16 win over the Brisbane Broncos, when Leniu directed a heated outburst at Thurston as he came off the field in the final 20 minutes.

According to AAP, Thurston — who was working on the sideline for Channel Nine — later approached Leniu after the match to ask what had prompted the verbal exchange. Leniu reportedly voiced his dissatisfaction with comments Thurston had previously made in support of Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam, following the racial slur controversy in Las Vegas earlier this year. Leniu had called Mam a “monkey” during that game, an incident which led to an eight-match suspension from the NRL and widespread condemnation.

Thurston, a revered Indigenous leader and strong advocate against racism in sport, was left stunned by the confrontation. He later told colleagues that Leniu had called him a “f***wit” during the exchange — a claim that added fuel to the already sensitive situation.

Originally scheduled to conduct post-match interviews inside the Roosters’ dressing room, Thurston ultimately opted out, with fellow Nine commentator and former Storm captain Cameron Smith stepping in to replace him.

Roosters head coach Trent Robinson addressed the incident in his post-match press conference, downplaying the severity of the exchange. “It’s just two passionate guys having a conversation about differences of opinion,” Robinson explained. “Someone speaking their opinion, I think, is good in this game.”

Robinson added that Leniu had not crossed any lines, emphasizing that the Roosters prop didn’t approach Thurston in an aggressive manner. “I think it’s a discussion between two men. I don’t think that is the end of the world.”

Despite the heated nature of the encounter, the Roosters camp appeared keen to move on quickly, framing the clash as a spirited disagreement rather than a major controversy.