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  • Second Bronco tells club officials he heard ‘monkey’ slur

    Second Bronco tells club officials he heard ‘monkey’ slur

    Travis Meyn, Robert Craddock and Peter Badel

    Broncos hooker Billy Walters is willing to testify at the NRL judiciary if called upon as a witness in the Las Vegas racism hearing.

    Walters’ teammate, Payne Haas, could also become a key witness for Brisbane after telling club officials he overheard Roosters forward Spencer Leniu call Broncos whiz Ezra Mam a “monkey’’ in the season-opening clash in Las Vegas.

    Walters confirmed to this masthead that he was one of the players in the vicinity of Leniu when the alleged slur was made, which, alongside Haas could be crucial at the disciplinary hearing now that a of the word being spoken. The NRL’s prosecution will rely on witness accounts.

    Leniu will appear at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday after being charged with contrary conduct in the 69th minute of the heated round 1 clash.

    Mam, 21, made a formal on-field complaint to referee Adam Gee and may be required to appear at the judiciary to give his version of events.

    But the Indigenous sensation may not be alone, with Brisbane teammate Walters declaring he would front up if required.

    Walters said he was reluctant to speak in-depth about the incident to ensure he didn’t prejudice the hearing, but confirmed he was willing to testify.

    “I don’t want to get into it too much. We’ve been told not to speak too much because we want the NRL to deal with it properly and not influence it,” he said.

    “But if I’m called upon by the NRL I’ll definitely tell my version of events.

    “We’ve got Ezra’s back no matter what happens.”

    With a split first round over two weekends due to the United States double-header, the Leniu judiciary hearing won’t be held until next week following the completion of round 1 fixtures.

    A former senior Cricket Australia official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said it was the lack of audio evidence that enabled Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh to have a three match ban scrapped on appeal after he allegedly called Andrew Symonds a “monkey’’ at the SCG in 2008.

    The Brisbane Broncos have arrived back in the River City after their exploits in the US and the season opener in Las Vegas.

    “Had Harbhajan been caught on audio it would have been a different outcome but Channel Nine had a reporter go through the tapes for a day looking for evidence and they could not find anything,’’ the source said.

    “Harbhajan was initially banned by match referee Mike Procter but the bans were scrapped on appeal because a New Zealand judge said there was not enough evidence.

    “The lack of audio evidence was decisive because it then became a matter of “he said, she said.’’

    Despite the fact Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting and Matt Hayden said they heard Harbhajan say the word “monkey’’ the judge ruled this evidence was insufficient for a conviction.

    “The match referee was happy to make a conviction on the players’ word. The judge wasn’t. It can go either way but Mam’s witnesses who say they heard the word now become more important given there is no audio. This could be the Symonds case all over.’’

    The fact that Harbhajan got off his bans on appeal infuriated the players and Symonds himself who was never the same player or person after the incident.

    The one key factor yet to be resolved is whether Leniu will deny making the claim or confess to saying it.

    When interviewed after the game he admitted to being involved in “fun and games’’ but distanced himself from allegations of racism

  • #2
    The drongos have pissed a line in the sand. Leniu just needs to say, truthfully if so, that he didn't say it. Then the judiciary will either go hard on him or offer a fine for 'contrary conduct'. Which he should tell them to stick up their collectives anuses.

    Like it stated in the article, what is rarely said in regards to Harbhajan Singehisthing and Andrew “I can’t drive 55” Symonds is that Singh got the ruling reversed. Because of a lack of evidence.
    Last edited by Johnny73; 03-06-2024, 04:14 PM.

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    • #3
      No audio of him saying it and no match officials heard him say it. Unless he pleads guilty he can't possibly be found guilty, regardless of how many Bronco officials line up to testify

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      • #4
        And what did they hear Ezra say.... ?

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        • #5
          I heard Leniu say "you are a marquee". It was a compliment.

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          • #6
            I heard the same , Mam to Lenui "I wish I could be like you and play for the Roosters Spencer " . Spencer " One day Ezra, if you harden up and become a Marquis ".
            Last edited by Crab; 03-06-2024, 08:38 PM.

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            • #7
              Originally posted by Johnny73 View Post
              The drongos have pissed a line in the sand. Leniu just needs to say, truthfully if so, that he didn't say it. Then the judiciary will either go hard on him or offer a fine for 'contrary conduct'. Which he should tell them to stick up their collectives anuses.

              Like it stated in the article, what is rarely said in regards to Harbhajan Singehisthing and Andrew “I can’t drive 55” Symonds is that Singh got the ruling reversed. Because of a lack of evidence.
              The reason it got overturned was because India threatened to go home and leave the series, cricket Australia were pussies who were going to lose out financially, so they chose not to back the team and let it all slide.

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              • #8
                So now they’ve all had days to corroborate a story There evidence cannot be taken into account
                I respect all our moderators here. Past present and even future. Always have done and always will do a wonderful job.

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                • #9
                  I faintly heard something to the effect of "Bro, you have a monkey on your back. Forget about your epic choke in last years GF cuz and get on with it. Besides, your young! All the blame rests on your halfbacks shoulders who should've shut the game down. Actually Bro, Reynolds has an Ape on his back"

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                  • #10
                    I think Leniu will be found guilty because I believe he said it.
                    I was brought up with what happens on the field stay on the field but times have changed.

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Andrew Walker View Post
                      So now they’ve all had days to corroborate a story There evidence cannot be taken into account
                      I wouldn't bet your house on it.

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                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Mickie Lane View Post
                        I think Leniu will be found guilty because I believe he said it.
                        I was brought up with what happens on the field stay on the field but times have changed.
                        That ended with Glenn Morrison and Ryan Cross.

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                        • #13
                          Originally posted by bondi.boy View Post

                          I wouldn't bet your house on it.
                          I wouldn’t either But this should have been dealt with immediately Statements from Broncos players who said they heard it should have been taken separately straight after the game

                          How the Fcuk can Broncos players be given so much time to corroborate their stories A player now conveniently comes forward saying he heard it after there is no audio found
                          I respect all our moderators here. Past present and even future. Always have done and always will do a wonderful job.

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                          • #14
                            A 6 week suspension will get him back v drongos game.
                            6 weeks $20k and an apology behind closed door
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                            • #15
                              I still didn't think players were allowed to voice their opinions on judicial matters before they have had a hearing?

                              Correct me if I'm wrong.

                              Where is the NRL and why aren't they sanctioning these players spewing crap to the media.



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