New South Wales firebrand Spencer Leniu breaks his self-imposed media ban to say what he REALLY thinks of Queensland
Spencer Leniu has broken his self-imposed media ban to make a huge statement about what he really feels about Queensland.
The Sydney Roosters enforcer will enter Suncorp Stadium for the first State of Origin clash on Wednesday as public enemy No.1 following his public altercation with Maroons hero Johnathan Thurston earlier this year.
The simmering tension between the two exploded when Leniu confronted Thurston on the field after a Brisbane Broncos match at Suncorp Stadium.
He was incensed about Thurston’s criticism over Leniu’s racial slur suspension, while also upset the NRL legend did not adopt the same hard line on Broncos star Ezra Mam.
The conflict escalated on social media where the Roosters star accused Thurston of being ‘two-faced’ and ‘fake’ before Leniu slapped a media ban on himself ahead of the opening Origin match in a bid to focus on the game.
However he has quickly broken that ban, to reveal his true thoughts on Queensland.
Spencer Leniu confronted Queensland Maroons legend Johnathan Thurston after a Broncos match at Suncorp Stadium
Leniu was angry at Thurston for his comments about the Roosters firebrand when he was banned for racial comments against Broncos star Ezra Mam
Leniu spoke with Cooper Johns, son of NRL great and media personality Matty Johns, on Sportsbet Blue Collar Chat which was posted to social media.
‘I thought you were on a media ban?’ Cooper asked Leniu.
‘I thought I was too,’ the Roosters star replied with a laugh. ‘But here we are.’
‘Are we not considered media?’ Cooper asked.
Connor Watson, sitting in for the interview with Leniu, replied: ‘NSW, honestly, that’s what they think of you guys’.
‘Wow, so that’s good, that’s what the Blues think of us, clearly we’re not professional media,’ Cooper said to more laughter.
Then Leniu was hit with the big question, asking: ‘Do you hate Queensland?’.
‘Nah I love Queensland, love everyone there,’ Leniu replied, tongue firmly in cheek. ‘I love the colours, I love the people, I love Suncorp, I just love Queensland.’
Thurston was part of the greatest State of Origin dynasty in history, the Queensland side that won a record eight series in a row
New South Wales Blues teammates are rallying around Leniu and say he won’t let the boos in Brisbane bother him
Leniu is expected to be the most targeted player at Suncorp Stadium in the upcoming State of Origin opener due to his heated sideline exchange with Thurston.
However NSW forward Angus Crichton says Leniu thrives on aggression and will embrace being the villain.
‘He’s a fireball and loose cannon, and we love that about him. He’s an asset to our team,’ Crichton said.
‘I think he has to [be public enemy No.1], and I think he’s happy to take that role.
‘We love him and that passion that he’s got. I’ve always got Spencer’s back in supporting him and it’ll be no different this week, heading into the game.’
Blues teammate Brian To’o, who also played with Leniu at Penrith, backed the rampaging forward to block out the external noise.
‘He’s always had that grown-up mindset,’ To’o said.
‘If something happens with him, he will just deal with it and face it.
‘If it gets sorted, then that is it. But if it’s still dwelling, then he will just leave it and keep moving forward.’
Fellow Blues star Dylan Edwards said Leniu ‘will never shy away from a contest’ and will be ‘ready to rock.’
