Broncos star Ezra Mam has revealed he’d be willing to accept an apology from Roosters enforcer Spencer Leniu, who called him a “monkey” in the season-opening double-header.
The incident occurred in the Las Vegas match, and Leniu was handed an eight-week suspension for the racial slur after pleading guilty in front of the NRL judiciary.
Leniu offered to fly to Brisbane and apologize to Mam in person, with the Broncos five-eighth refusing his approach at the time.
But speaking to media for the first time since the incident on Tuesday, Mam revealed Leniu’s attempts to apologize did have a positive influence.
“I think when the time is right we will have a chat, and I appreciate that he wanted to come up and reach out to me,” Mam said.
“I’ve moved on from that now — I’ll probably just have a chat to him when I see him or whenever it is.”
“I just stick up to what my beliefs are and how I was brought up as a strong cultural man. If there’s anything I’m more proud of, it’s my culture and …that’s what I’m going to stick up for.”
“It’s my identity, that’s the reason I’m here. It was a bit tough, but in saying that it was a long time ago, so I’m looking forward and being present.”
Leniu’s suspension ends after Round 9, meaning the pair won’t do battle when the Broncos face the Roosters on Friday week.
However, after 52 days since the incident, the clash could give Leniu and chance to speak to Man face-to-face and apologize for his actions.
In the wake of the racism scandal, waves of NRL players voiced their support for Mam, condemning racism in rugby league and Mam was pleased to receive messages from rivals.
“It was definitely a huge thing for other players to come out on behalf of me and reach out to me,” he said.
“It lifted me up and lifted my spirits up. It’s good to see all the Indigenous and non-Indigenous players reach out to me.”
“I will just play good footy now, it was a long time ago.”
