Following Heated Exchange: Thurston Issues Statement Addressing Leniu Confrontation

Indigenous rugby league icon Johnathan Thurston has responded to Friday's tense altercation with Sydney Roosters player Spencer Leniu at Lang Park, describing the encounter as "overly aggressive" and "unwarranted."

The confrontation occurred after the Roosters defeated the Brisbane Broncos 26-16, with Thurston revealing Leniu made an "abusive comment" as he exited the field, catching the Queensland Origin legend and nearby individuals off guard.

In his statement released through Nine's Sydney Morning Herald, Thurston clarified that while the exchange wasn't racially motivated, it stemmed from comments he made following Leniu's racial vilification incident involving Ezra Mam during last year's Las Vegas opener.

"I approached Spencer on the field seeking clarity about his comments," Thurston explained. "It became evident he had misinterpreted my previous statements as a personal attack, which was never my intention."

The former NRL star had previously advocated for stricter penalties for racial vilification after Leniu received an eight-match suspension for calling Mam, who has Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, a "monkey."

Thurston, who proudly represents his Indigenous heritage, maintains his position on appropriate penalties for racial comments while expressing openness to further private discussions with Leniu or Roosters officials to resolve any lingering tensions.

A subsequent conversation reportedly took place later involving Roosters management and both parties outside the team's changing rooms following the initial on-field confrontation.

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The Thurston-Leniu feud intensified after public accusations of duplicity.

Leniu slammed Thurston's approach as insincere, rejecting surface-level civility.

"Keep it real or keep moving," Leniu asserted online, dismissing forced pleasantries.

Thurston's camp later addressed the clash, emphasizing respect amid disagreements.

Leniu doubled down: "Own your stance—no room for façades in genuine rivalries."

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