NRL star Spencer Leniu is subject to a new investigation, days after he was banned for two matches for a controversial gesture aimed at a referee.
The gun forward got himself into hot water playing for Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Australia.
Leniu was sin binned at the end of the first half and appeared to make a money gesture as he walked off the field, rubbing his fingers together in a message aimed at ref Adam Gee.
An investigation resulted in suspension, and Leniu is now back in trouble after fresh allegations from the game emerged.
It is claimed Leniu abused an NRL official outside the sheds, report Code Sports.
Leniu reportedly tore into the individual after he denied his friends access to a reserved area for friends and family of the players.
The group is believed to have been denied entry because they lacked the required accreditation, provoking a response from Leniu.
The NRL’s Integrity Unit is investigating the incident and could impose further sanctions on the four-time premiership winner.
Leniu accepted a two-game ban following the semi-final, which means his Parramatta Eels debut will have to wait until at least game three.
However, if he is found guilty of abusing an official he will likely be forced to wait even longer to make his Eels debut.
Leniu will be unavailable for the club’s trip to Las Vegas to face the Titans in round one, with chief executive Mike Rush sharing his frustration that pre-season matches will not count towards the suspension.
“From the club’s point of view, it’s a little frustrating to see that, because the World Cup is in Australia, we can’t use the trial games,” Rush said.
“Whereas, had the World Cup been in England, he’d be free to play in round one.
“It feels a little unfair on both the player and the club that the location of the World Cup dictates how you can serve your suspension.”
Leniu also hit out at World Cup organisers, claiming they “used our people” to promote games.
“Let’s be honest, our little nations carried this WC. Yet we are paid 850 a game to the Aussies 30/40k for the tournament,” Leniu wrote on Instagram.
“There’s no secret that they’ve used our people to sell games. Look no further than Samoa vs Tonga.
“Arguably the most hyped up and anticipated game of the tournament. They make it a triple header because Our people turn up in numbers, fill the stadiums and create an atmosphere filled with pride and passion.”
He hinted Pacific nations should be better compensated, referencing plans to hold 2030 World Cup games in Utah and Hawaii to tap into the Pacific Island population there.
“Us Polynesians/Kiwi boys will always put their hands up to represent their nations,” Leniu said.
“It’s in our blood. It’s our pride, our culture. But that passion shouldn’t be an excuse to overlook what we contribute and what we deserve.
“Taking the next WC to the US, specifically Utah and Hawaii, where there is a big Polynesian community shows the importance of our people in growing our game. So I believe if they are going to use that as a tool to generate money, our little nations should be compensated fairly for it.
“If that means putting head on the chopping block, then so be it. This is bigger than me! Big love.”
Originally published as NRL launch second investigation into Spencer Leniu amid fresh allegations from World Cup clash