Mitchell declares Leniu comment opened ‘wounds’

Broncos players allege Leniu called Mam a monkey, and Indigenous legend Johnathan Thurston later reported Mam was in tears after the game.

Mitchell explained to 9News Sydney that the alleged comments have hurt more people than just Mam.

“For me, it opens up a lot of wounds and scars for my family and my people,” Mitchell said after arriving home from Las Vegas.

“This stuff isn’t tolerated in the game, it should be rubbed out.

“For me, it’s about making sure Ezra Mam is alright.”

The 26-year-old has called on the league to come down hard on Leniu.

“I hope that Peter (V’landys) and Andrew Abdo are taking serious consideration on how this should be dealt with,” he said.

On top of his support for Mam, Mitchell took to his social media to call for Leniu to be slapped with a lengthy ban for his alleged actions.

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“Let alone from the fans, from the players on field … it should be stamped out,” he said.

Two years ago, Marcelo Montoya was suspended for four matches after being found guilty of using a homophobic slur, while three years ago Mitch Barnett escaped sanction after an alleged racial incident with Tyrone Peachey due to a lack of evidence.

Sunday’s win over Brisbane was Leniu’s first game for the Roosters, having left the Panthers after last year’s grand final win over the Broncos.