Footy legend Johnathan Thurston says the NRL dropped the ball with Spencer Leniu’s eight-week suspension – and calls for a FAR longer ban

NRL great Johnathan Thurston believes the game has failed its Indigenous stars by handing Sydney Roosters prop Spencer Leniu an eight-game ban for his racial abuse of Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam.

Thurston, 40, said Leniu should have been given a 12-week suspension after admitting to calling Mam a ‘monkey’ during their season opening game in Las Vegas.

Speaking on Channel Nine’s Today program on Tuesday, the champion halfback – who is a proud Indigenous man – felt the punishment didn’t fit the crime.

‘There is only one way that term is used and that is racially,’ Thurston said.

‘The NRL had a great opportunity to make a stand, not only for the game but for society as well. I think the game has failed in this instance.

NRL great Johnathan Thurston believes the game has failed its Indigenous stars after handing Roosters prop Spencer Leniu an eight-game ban for his racial abuse of Ezra Mam

Thurston said Leniu (pictured) should have been given a 12-week suspension after admitting to calling Mam a ‘monkey’ during their season-opening game in Las Vegas on March 3

Thurston also revealed he has since spoken to Mam, who remains ‘shattered’ at what has unfolded 

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‘I don’t think eight weeks is sufficient for what has been said and the mental scars that have been brought up, and what our culture has endured since the history of colonisation.

‘I thought it was great opportunity to go 12 weeks and a blanket ban for all racial vilification if you’re found guilty.’

Thurston also revealed he has spoken to Mam, who is ‘shattered’ at what has unfolded.

‘I was looking at probably 12 weeks would have been sufficient for racial vilification on the field,’ he added.

‘[I get] quite emotional talking about bit. It has certainly opened up a lot of scars for our people. I know Spencer has come out and owned it like he has, he apologised to Ezra.

‘I spoke to Ezra after the match to check on him and his wellbeing. He was pretty shattered about it all. 

‘He has great family support around him and players around him as well. I thought it was a great opportunity to make a statement and I don’t think the eight weeks is sufficient.’

Leniu issued a public apology to Mam three days after the incident in the US – and also offered to travel to Brisbane to meet the pivot face to face, which was rejected by the Broncos young gun.

The Roosters enforcer faced a 90-minute judiciary hearing on Monday night in Sydney after pleading guilty to his contrary conduct charge. 

He will now be unavailable for the Tricolours until round 10 this season.