Add Category
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has just provided a lengthy statement to the media following Leniu’s suspension.
Racism and vilification have no place in modern society and will not be tolerated in rugby league.
Since 1908, when working class rugby league communities broke away to demand a fair go, this sport has been about bringing people together. Our game takes pride in being inclusive and in driving social change.
In 1960, Lionel Morgan was the first indigenous player to represent Australia in any sport, while Artie Beetson – an Immortal of our game – was the first indigenous man to captain an Australian national team when he led out the Kangaroos in 1973.
Artie Beetson with the 1977 World Cup.Credit: NRL Photos
The events of last week go against everything the game is built on. We all take great pride in the game’s strong links to indigenous culture, its representation of Indigenous and Pacific Islander players and its ability to meld communities together.
As a migrant to Australia, the rugby league community made my family and I feel welcome in this country. Tonight, the NRL judiciary has independently confirmed an eight-match suspension.
Naturally, the shock of this event caused an outpouring of emotion. We must always call out bad behaviour when we see it, it’s important everyone involved in rugby league respects the independent judicial processes that are set up precisely for dealing with matters of this nature.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo.Credit: Kate Geraghty
I have spoken to Ezra to commend him for speaking up and taking a stand. It has been warming to see the game rally around him during this time. I also acknowledge Spencer Leniu’s genuine remorse and apology and ask everyone to consider his wellbeing after a testing time in his young career. We are human beings and we make mistakes.
That is how we all learn and grow. The penalty applied tonight underscores the zero tolerance rugby league has for racism. From this sad event some important lessons can be learned. We will work with the players and the RLPA to continue to deliver important awareness and education programs and ensure Rugby league continues to be the greatest game for all.