Latest news with #Leniu
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘It's not weak, it's smart': Maroons defend decision not to kick off to Spencer Leniu
Queensland Origin officials have defended the decision to avoid kicking off to Blues wrecking ball Spencer Leniu on Wednesday night, insisting it was 'smart business' rather than 'weak'. TV cameras captured Leniu mouthing profanities and throwing his arms in the air in frustration after Val Holmes spotted him come on to the field at the half-hour mark, then aimed his kick-off towards the opposite side away from the Roosters prop. It denied a fired-up Leniu – one of the game's most destructive front-rowers – the chance to run the ball hard back at the Queensland defence and deprived viewers of a contest that had been eagerly anticipated due to the simmering tensions between Leniu and Queensland fans. The 24-year-old was painted as NSW's biggest villain because of his sideline run-in with Maroons legend Johnathan Thurston at Suncorp Stadium six weeks earlier. Local newspaper The Courier Mail ran a photo of Leniu on their back page the day before the game with the headline, 'Smash This Blues Grub'. Former NSW firebrand Willie Mason claimed Queensland had been 'shit scared' after watching Leniu run over the top of NSW teammate Max King in the Roosters' match against Canterbury a week earlier. In that same game, Leniu took another kick-off carry and knocked out Daniel Suluka-Fifita. 'To him [Leniu], it's like, 'You don't even have the balls to kick it to me', Mason said on his Levels podcast. 'You called him out, a call to arms if you will, and then you kicked it the other way. Yuck.' However, Maroons assistant coach Josh Hannay said it made sense to avoid Leniu because he was so damaging when coming off the back fence. He said Queensland also tried to avoid kicking to where Payne Haas was standing. 'It's not weak to do that, it's smart – it's smart business to try and take away someone's strength,' Hannay said.
The Age
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
‘It's not weak, it's smart': Maroons defend decision not to kick off to Spencer Leniu
Queensland Origin officials have defended the decision to avoid kicking off to Blues wrecking ball Spencer Leniu on Wednesday night, insisting it was 'smart business' rather than 'weak'. TV cameras captured Leniu mouthing profanities and throwing his arms in the air in frustration after Val Holmes spotted him come on to the field at the half-hour mark, then aimed his kick-off towards the opposite side away from the Roosters prop. It denied a fired-up Leniu – one of the game's most destructive front-rowers – the chance to run the ball hard back at the Queensland defence and deprived viewers of a contest that had been eagerly anticipated due to the simmering tensions between Leniu and Queensland fans. The 24-year-old was painted as NSW's biggest villain because of his sideline run-in with Maroons legend Johnathan Thurston at Suncorp Stadium six weeks earlier. Local newspaper The Courier Mail ran a photo of Leniu on their back page the day before the game with the headline, 'Smash This Blues Grub'. Former NSW firebrand Willie Mason claimed Queensland had been 'shit scared' after watching Leniu run over the top of NSW teammate Max King in the Roosters' match against Canterbury a week earlier. In that same game, Leniu took another kick-off carry and knocked out Daniel Suluka-Fifita. 'To him [Leniu], it's like, 'You don't even have the balls to kick it to me', Mason said on his Levels podcast. 'You called him out, a call to arms if you will, and then you kicked it the other way. Yuck.' However, Maroons assistant coach Josh Hannay said it made sense to avoid Leniu because he was so damaging when coming off the back fence. He said Queensland also tried to avoid kicking to where Payne Haas was standing. 'It's not weak to do that, it's smart – it's smart business to try and take away someone's strength,' Hannay said.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
State of Origin sells itself as winds of change leave violence and hate behind
The question, to New South Wales captain Isaah Yeo, was blunt. In any other social or professional situation it would have been downright rude. But this is the week of State of Origin, the annual threat to Australia's federation. 'Yeoy, we haven't really felt the hate,' the optimistic television reporter began, on a mission to jazz up his 6pm news package with a ear-grabbing quote. 'Can you give us insight into how much you dislike Queensland?' Advertisement The mild-mannered, diplomatic Yeo who – after four NRL premierships, Kangaroos honours and more than half a decade in blue – knows the modern game like few others, understood what was being asked. But he could only go so far. 'There's obviously dislike, but you're probably [asking] the wrong person,' he said. 'I try not to create headlines. I apologise.' Related: State of Origin Game 1: where the 2025 series opener will be won and lost | Jack Snape It was one whiff among many this week for a bloodthirsty press corps desperate to infuse this season's Origin series with a little extra spice. The Courier Mail did its best on Tuesday, describing Spencer Leniu as a 'grub' in its back page headline. The Blues forward and Queensland great – and now Nine personality – Jonathan Thurston shared a sideline disagreement last month, prompting Maroons 'legends' like Billy Moore and Corey Parker to declare in the classic of the Origin-week genre that Leniu must now be targeted. But Blues coach Laurie Daley was on a different wavelength, saying Leniu 'will be fine'. Instead, he suggested 'grub's a heavy word'. The headline was also put to Yeo, but he didn't have a direct response, saying only that Leniu will 'handle it fine'. 'Being the villain, I feel like he handles that really well,' was about as far as Yeo would go. Advertisement Two hours later, Daley's counterpart Billy Slater was asked for his views, the latest button to push on the Origin media machine. 'I haven't seen that headline, and it wouldn't have come from anyone internal,' the Maroons coach said. 'So yeah, you might have to ask the person who put the headline up there, that certainly didn't come from me.' As it happened, one of the story's reporters was on hand. He accepted responsibility, prompting laughs all round. It was not the only time on Tuesday the media's attempt to revive the old Origin narrative was raised. Yeo said the supposed animosity between the teams is largely a media fabrication. 'I don't think there's many headlines coming from the players, and that's to be expected,' the Blues skipper said. 'It's a big occasion, I think the media aren't liking the fact that there's not that much hate between players, so I feel like they're doing a good job of building it up.' There have been stories of a 'storm' after Maroons captain Daly Cherry-Evans was pictured chatting to referee Ashley Klein at a recent Manly training. ('I'm respectful, empathetic,' the Maroons captain responded.) There was Monday's 'spying drama' when a closed New South Wales training was filmed and released. Yeo said there was not much to gain. Advertisement The Daily Telegraph wrote last week that the Maroons are now too likeable, upsetting the Origin formula. Slater, genuine and considered at his media opportunity on Tuesday, did little to dispel those accusations. 'At the end of the day, you can't help what type of people you are and what type of person I am,' Slater said. 'And you've just got to be real to yourself and true to yourself.' State of Origin has changed in recent years as rugby league leans even further into sports science and professional preparation, and away from on-field violence and alcohol-fuelled bonding sessions. Joseph Aukuso Sua'li'i's sending off for a high shot on Reece Walsh this time last year was the latest example of the winds of change. Traditionalists railed against the sanction, arguing that the threshold for foul play in Origin has always been higher than first grade and the send-off ruined the match. But last year's series continued to draw millions on television. The three matches were all in the top five largest-drawing sport broadcasts of 2024, and the final match had the highest audience of the three. Related: NSW Blues beef up security after State of Origin training footage leak Advertisement Indeed, the code appears in a healthy state as it prepares to go to market for a new broadcast deal beginning in 2028. Average audiences for Nine's NRL games this year are up more than 5%, according to sports industry blogger Jason Lassey. The Women's State of Origin series has also emerged as a boon for the code, and a tentpole women's spectacle the envy of the AFL. Insiders estimate the three-match contest, once a loss-making exercise, is now a broadcasting asset worth several million dollars to the game. Heck, the NRL welcomes a Papua New Guinea side in 2028 as part of Australia's soft diplomacy. Try explaining that to the Origin hard-men of yesteryear. For Origin in 2025 there may be less of yesterday's pantomime, but Slater – who has spent two decades as an Origin player and now coach – believes the sheen of rugby league's jewel remains. 'The game is the game, the game sells itself,' he said. 'If you need the bit of feud off the field, well, you're probably not doing the job on the field. And I think they're doing the job on the field at the moment.'
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Laurie Daley hits back after Queensland make ugly allegation about NSW player
NSW coach Laurie Daley has hit back at Queensland and The Courier Mail's back page after Blues prop Spencer Leniu was called a 'grub' in the build-up to State of Origin Game 1. Leniu will no doubt prompt a fierce reaction at Suncorp on Wednesday when he runs on from the bench and takes one of his barnstorming runs. Leniu's confrontation with Queensland legend Johnathan Thurston at a Roosters home game last month has been one of the biggest storylines heading into Game 1. Leniu was unhappy with Thurston and the duo were involved in a high-profile argument after the game, which was picked up by the Channel 9 broadcast. The Roosters forward copped an eight-game suspension in 2024 after calling Broncos star Ezra Mam a 'monkey'. Thurston was highly critical of Leniu last year and said the eight-game suspension he received for the racial slur didn't go far enough. Leniu claimed he didn't realise the term "monkey" had racial connotations. And Leniu tore into Channel 9's Thurston when the pair came face-to-face after a Roosters game. Thurston was clearly rattled by the confrontation but decided not to lodge an official complaint. Leniu was reportedly upset that Thurston has not been nearly as vocal about Mam crashing his car last year in an incident that injured a child and saw him cop a nine-game ban. And to spark the tension ahead of Origin, The Courier Mail back page read: 'Smash this Blues grub'. A photo of Leniu and Thurston accompanied the headline. With many fans questioning the rather timid build-up to Game 1 this year the publication certainly moved to build-up the hype. However, when the pack page was shown to NSW coach Daley before the captain's run he was less than impressed with reports the Blues side are also unhappy with the commentary piece. "Grub's a heavy word ... he's a good person," Daley said. "He'll be OK. He's got a plan, everyone's got his back and I don't think the crowd's going to jump in and do anything. He embraces those types of challenges well. You want him to play with that controlled aggression." After the high-profile spat last month, Leniu and Thurston will once again be in close quarters come Wednesday. Thurston will be part of Billy Slater's coaching staff once again, and will likely be on the sideline with the headset like we've seen in recent years. And Leniu's participation will be sure to get the crowd going with the prop set to be public enemy No.1. While there has been some questions over whether the build-up has been overshadowed by some of the Lachlan Galvin and Bulldogs drama, Daley doesn't feel the showpiece event needs more hype. Daley won his sole series as coach came in 2014 and felt he wanted to avoid the pre-game commentary this time around. "That's part of Origin, you've just got to roll with the punches, not be put off at all," he said of all the drama heading into Game 1. "No matter what happens, our preparation's been spot on. There's always a challenge around Origin time. It doesn't take away our focus." The NSW coach is facing the prospect of losing Stephen Crichton on game day with the star centre dealing with a corked thigh he suffered during an opposed session. However, Payne Haas is set to line-up on game day after dealing with a quad issue all week. "Payne (Haas) will play (and) Critta, see how he is tomorrow," Daley said. "He didn't have scans. It's a cork, no strain or anything like that. Just trying to control the swelling and see how he is tomorrow morning."
The Advertiser
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
NSW tipping Maroons fans to spark Blues' 'loose cannon'
Angus Crichton is happy for Queensland fans to poke the bear, adamant Blues "fireball" Spencer Leniu will embrace being public enemy No.1 in Brisbane. Leniu is set to enter next Wednesday's State of Origin opener as the most maligned man at Suncorp Stadium, after his sideline spat with Johnathan Thurston. The NSW forward has been shielded from the media in Blues camp, not speaking to reporters since unleashing a tirade at Thurston at Suncorp last month. Leniu also labelled the Queensland great "two-faced" and "fake" on social media the next day, in the latest chapter of the racial slur saga from Las Vegas last year. Thurston admitted afterwards he was "shocked" at the time, which he claimed was both "unwarranted" and "overly aggressive". The Maroons great remains one of the most loved figures in Queensland rugby league, and sits on Billy Slater's coaching staff for this series. Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin went as far as to suggest this week Leniu would be targeted by the Maroons, with fans also expected to be vocal. But Leniu's Sydney Roosters and NSW teammate Crichton said that would play into the prop's hands, given he thrives on aggression and emotion. "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." Leniu was booed at Suncorp Stadium last year, with the Origin III decider his first game in Brisbane since calling Brisbane star Ezra Mam a "monkey". Thurston called for Leniu to be handed a 12-game ban, with the Roosters prop believed to be unhappy the issue resurfaced on a podcast in last year's finals. Leniu's former Panthers teammate Brian To'o said it would not be lingering on the bench forward's mind headed into next week. "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." NSW players continued their preparations for the series opener on Thursday, facing St Marys' Ron Massey Cup side in an opposed session at a rain-soaked Blue Mountains. But what NSW are certain of is Leniu won't be intimidated in Brisbane. "He will never shy away from a contest, that's for sure. I reckon he will be ready to rock," Dylan Edwards said. "I imagine we will all get booed up there. I don't think it will be any different for Spence. "I just expect him to go out and do what he does as normal. Obviously Origin is a bit more higher intensity and a bit faster. "But Spence is Spence. He is going to be physical, run extremely hard and tackle extremely hard." Angus Crichton is happy for Queensland fans to poke the bear, adamant Blues "fireball" Spencer Leniu will embrace being public enemy No.1 in Brisbane. Leniu is set to enter next Wednesday's State of Origin opener as the most maligned man at Suncorp Stadium, after his sideline spat with Johnathan Thurston. The NSW forward has been shielded from the media in Blues camp, not speaking to reporters since unleashing a tirade at Thurston at Suncorp last month. Leniu also labelled the Queensland great "two-faced" and "fake" on social media the next day, in the latest chapter of the racial slur saga from Las Vegas last year. Thurston admitted afterwards he was "shocked" at the time, which he claimed was both "unwarranted" and "overly aggressive". The Maroons great remains one of the most loved figures in Queensland rugby league, and sits on Billy Slater's coaching staff for this series. Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin went as far as to suggest this week Leniu would be targeted by the Maroons, with fans also expected to be vocal. But Leniu's Sydney Roosters and NSW teammate Crichton said that would play into the prop's hands, given he thrives on aggression and emotion. "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." Leniu was booed at Suncorp Stadium last year, with the Origin III decider his first game in Brisbane since calling Brisbane star Ezra Mam a "monkey". Thurston called for Leniu to be handed a 12-game ban, with the Roosters prop believed to be unhappy the issue resurfaced on a podcast in last year's finals. Leniu's former Panthers teammate Brian To'o said it would not be lingering on the bench forward's mind headed into next week. "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." NSW players continued their preparations for the series opener on Thursday, facing St Marys' Ron Massey Cup side in an opposed session at a rain-soaked Blue Mountains. But what NSW are certain of is Leniu won't be intimidated in Brisbane. "He will never shy away from a contest, that's for sure. I reckon he will be ready to rock," Dylan Edwards said. "I imagine we will all get booed up there. I don't think it will be any different for Spence. "I just expect him to go out and do what he does as normal. Obviously Origin is a bit more higher intensity and a bit faster. "But Spence is Spence. He is going to be physical, run extremely hard and tackle extremely hard." Angus Crichton is happy for Queensland fans to poke the bear, adamant Blues "fireball" Spencer Leniu will embrace being public enemy No.1 in Brisbane. Leniu is set to enter next Wednesday's State of Origin opener as the most maligned man at Suncorp Stadium, after his sideline spat with Johnathan Thurston. The NSW forward has been shielded from the media in Blues camp, not speaking to reporters since unleashing a tirade at Thurston at Suncorp last month. Leniu also labelled the Queensland great "two-faced" and "fake" on social media the next day, in the latest chapter of the racial slur saga from Las Vegas last year. Thurston admitted afterwards he was "shocked" at the time, which he claimed was both "unwarranted" and "overly aggressive". The Maroons great remains one of the most loved figures in Queensland rugby league, and sits on Billy Slater's coaching staff for this series. Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin went as far as to suggest this week Leniu would be targeted by the Maroons, with fans also expected to be vocal. But Leniu's Sydney Roosters and NSW teammate Crichton said that would play into the prop's hands, given he thrives on aggression and emotion. "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." Leniu was booed at Suncorp Stadium last year, with the Origin III decider his first game in Brisbane since calling Brisbane star Ezra Mam a "monkey". Thurston called for Leniu to be handed a 12-game ban, with the Roosters prop believed to be unhappy the issue resurfaced on a podcast in last year's finals. Leniu's former Panthers teammate Brian To'o said it would not be lingering on the bench forward's mind headed into next week. "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." NSW players continued their preparations for the series opener on Thursday, facing St Marys' Ron Massey Cup side in an opposed session at a rain-soaked Blue Mountains. But what NSW are certain of is Leniu won't be intimidated in Brisbane. "He will never shy away from a contest, that's for sure. I reckon he will be ready to rock," Dylan Edwards said. "I imagine we will all get booed up there. I don't think it will be any different for Spence. "I just expect him to go out and do what he does as normal. Obviously Origin is a bit more higher intensity and a bit faster. "But Spence is Spence. He is going to be physical, run extremely hard and tackle extremely hard."
