Spencer Leniu: Contract, Thurston Incident, Roosters Future

When a 24-year-old prop with three premierships keeps making headlines for what happens off the field, it’s worth asking why. Spencer Leniu has built a career on raw power in the NRL front row, but lately it’s his sideline confrontations and contract uncertainty that are drawing the most attention.

Born: 8 September 2000 ·
Age: 24 ·
Height: 185 cm (6 ft 1 in) ·
Weight: 112 kg (17 st 9 lb) ·
Club: Sydney Roosters ·
Position: Prop

What happened between Leniu and Thurston?

Background of the incident

During a round 7 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium in April 2025, Leniu was involved in a heated sideline exchange with league legend Johnathan Thurston. According to Yahoo Australia (sports news outlet), Leniu directed a profanity at Thurston, calling him a “f***wit” from the sideline. The confrontation occurred near the Roosters’ bench and was captured by broadcast cameras.

Thurston’s statement

Johnathan Thurston, a four-time premiership winner and one of the most respected figures in rugby league, publicly stated via Nine Sport that the game had failed after Leniu’s eight-match ban for the Ezra Mam incident in 2024. Following the April 2025 sideline spat, Thurston did not immediately file a formal complaint, but the incident reignited discussions about Leniu’s conduct.

Leniu’s response

Leniu reportedly declined an interview with Thurston after the match, according to Yahoo Australia. No public apology or statement from Leniu has been documented regarding the Thurston exchange.

Aftermath and media coverage

The Canberra Times (regional news outlet) reported in April 2025 that the NRL would not investigate the incident unless a formal complaint was lodged by Nine Network or Thurston himself. As of that report, neither party had filed a complaint. The story drew national coverage, with many commentators noting the irony of Leniu again being at the centre of a behavioural controversy.

Where is Spencer Leniu from?

Early life in New Zealand

Leniu was born on 8 September 2000 in Auckland, New Zealand. His family moved to Australia when he was a child, settling in New South Wales.

Move to Australia

Growing up in Australia, Leniu developed his rugby league skills in the junior system. He played junior rugby league for the Penrith Panthers and progressed through their development pathways. NRL official records confirm his debut season with Penrith in 2020.

Samoan heritage

Leniu represents Samoa at the international level, a reflection of his heritage. His Samoan identity has been a consistent thread throughout his career, and he has worn the Samoa jersey in representative matches.

Representative origins

Before committing to Samoa, Leniu was considered a potential future State of Origin player for New South Wales. However, his international allegiance lies with Samoa, where he has been a regular selection.

The pattern: Leniu’s path from Auckland to Penrith to the Roosters mirrors the classic migrant story in Australian rugby league — talent recognised early, developed through a strong club system, and rewarded with premierships.

Is Spencer Leniu leaving the Roosters?

Current contract status

Leniu extended his Roosters deal in August 2024 and is contracted until the end of 2027, as reported by Sydney Morning Herald (major Australian newspaper). The report noted that Roosters chairman Nick Politis played a key role in securing the extension, with Leniu saying the club “could’ve given me the flick” after the Mam suspension but chose to stand by him.

Rival interest from Parramatta Eels

Reports have indicated that the Parramatta Eels are interested in signing Leniu, potentially as early as 2026. Zero Tackle (rugby league news site) reported in May 2026 that Leniu’s future at the Roosters was in doubt and that the club had not granted him permission to leave early. However, the same report noted that discussions were ongoing, and the situation remained fluid.

Roosters’ stance

A March 2025 ABC News (Australian public broadcaster) report stated that Roosters officials insisted there was no merit to exit rumours. Leniu reportedly told teammates he remained committed to his contract running until 2027. The club’s public position has been consistent: Leniu is staying.

Potential exit in 2026

Despite the Roosters’ stance, speculation persists. Zero Tackle reported that NRL 360 panellists discussed the possibility of Leniu leaving early, citing salary cap pressure and the club’s need to manage its roster. ESPN (sports broadcaster) reported that Leniu directly addressed fans, saying “I’m here to stay.”

How much is Spencer Leniu’s contract?

Contract value details

Exact financial terms of Leniu’s contract have not been publicly disclosed. Sydney Morning Herald reported that the deal was significant but did not provide a specific dollar figure. Zero Tackle suggested Leniu was set for a “mega pay day” but again without confirmed numbers.

Salary cap implications

As a front-row forward with three premierships and representative honours, Leniu would command a salary in the upper tier for props. The Roosters’ salary cap management is under scrutiny, and any significant contract for Leniu affects their ability to retain other players. ABC News noted that the club’s cap flexibility was a factor in the exit rumours.

Comparison with other props

Top NRL props typically earn between $600,000 and $900,000 per season. Leniu’s deal is likely within that range, given his age, achievements, and potential. However, without official disclosure, comparisons remain speculative.

Contract length

Multiple sources, including Sydney Morning Herald and ABC News, agree that Leniu’s contract runs through the end of 2027. Zero Tackle’s player profile shows team-year ticks for 2026 and 2027, aligning with that timeline. One report from Zero Tackle suggested a potential extension through 2028, but this conflicts with other reporting and is not widely corroborated.

Why this matters: Without a public salary figure, the market value of Leniu’s next contract will be set by perception — and perception is shaped by his on-field form and off-field conduct. The quieter he stays, the higher his price.

What is Spencer Leniu’s injury status?

Recent injuries

Leniu has dealt with a hamstring injury in the past that caused him to miss games. Zero Tackle’s player profile lists his injury history, though specific timelines are not detailed.

Recovery timeline

As of the most recent reports, Leniu is considered fit and available for selection. No major long-term concerns have been documented.

Impact on playing time

Leniu has been a regular in the Roosters’ matchday squad since joining the club in 2024. His availability has been consistent, and he has not been sidelined by any significant injury during the 2025 season.

Injury history

Beyond the hamstring issue, no chronic or recurring injury concerns have been reported. Leniu’s physical profile — 112 kg and 185 cm — suggests he is built to withstand the demands of front-row play, and his durability has been a strength throughout his career.

The catch: Injury risk is always present for a prop of his size, but the bigger threat to his playing time right now is not physical — it’s the suspension and reputational damage from off-field incidents.

Spencer Leniu is at a crossroads. He has three premierships, a long-term contract, and the backing of a powerful club. But two off-field incidents in two years have created a pattern that the NRL, the Roosters, and the fans cannot ignore. For Leniu, the choice is clear: stay out of the headlines for the right reasons, or watch his market value — and his place in the game — erode. For the Roosters, the equation is just as stark: back him through the noise, or cut ties before the distraction outweighs the talent.