Sad News: Am leaving Zakai Zeigler sign a resignation and departure from the team earlier today due to..

Roosters prop Spencer Leniu has pleaded guilty to racially abusing Ezra Mam and issued a public apology to the Broncos young gun.

It comes five days after Mam accused Leniu of calling him a “monkey” during their season-opening clash in Las Vegas last Sunday.

Several NRL players have called for a lengthy ban for the 23-year-old who was referred straight to judiciary next Tuesday night where he is likely facing up to two months on the sideline.

“I want to apologise to Ezra and his family for using the word I did and I am sincerely sorry to cause him such distress,” Leniu said.
I’ve put my hand up and want to take ownership of this. I said the word but I didn’t mean it in a racist way. Anyone who knows me knows that’s not who I am.”
Leniu initially dismissed the incident as nothing more than “fun and games” during an interview on the field after the game.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson was accused of “gaslighting” Mam when he said in his post-match press conference “So Ezra is adamant… that doesn’t mean it’s right”.
Leniu then confronted Broncos players Mam, Pat Carrigan and Kotoni Staggs back at the team hotel where both clubs were staying.

But by Thursday both Leniu and the Roosters had changed their tune on the incident, with the star recruit’s apology accompanied by a statement from the club

Inclusivity of people from all cultures and backgrounds is a key and valued principle of the Sydney Roosters. The Roosters do not tolerate any form of racism and we extend our heartfelt apologies to Ezra, his family and the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” the statement read.

Roosters CEO Joe Kelly said Leniu had been “completely open and honest throughout this process” and added the club would continue to support him.