Sports · Other Sports · 13 hrs ago
Spencer Leniu faces two-game ban after gesture to referees
Samoan prop Spencer Leniu faces a two-match ban after making a money gesture towards referees during Samoa’s World Cup semifinal against Australia in Sydney.
The gesture came after he was sin-binned for dissent late in the first half of Australia’s 44-12 win.
Leniu received a grade three contrary conduct charge and is set to miss Parramatta’s first two games of 2027.
The ban would include the Eels’ trip to Las Vegas and their game against Gold Coast in the United States.
Leniu is due to join Parramatta after winning the 2026 premiership with the Sydney Roosters.
If he appeals and loses, he would face an extra one-game ban.
Samoa coach Ben Gardiner said Australia benefited from home-ground calls, while two other Samoan players avoided suspension.
Spencer Leniu faces a two-game suspension at the start of the 2027 season after receiving a grade three contrary conduct charge.
The Parramatta recruit was sin-binned during Samoa’s 44-12 World Cup semifinal loss to Australia in Sydney.
He made a money gesture with his hand as he walked towards the tunnel.
The gesture was widely interpreted as questioning the integrity and impartiality of match officials.
If he contests the charge and loses, he would receive an additional one-game ban.
- Who
- Spencer Leniu, a prop who will join Parramatta.
- What
- He faces a two-game ban after receiving a grade three contrary conduct charge for making a money gesture towards referees.
- When
- The charge was handed down on Monday after Sunday's match.
- Where
- During the World Cup semifinal in Sydney.
- Why
- The gesture was interpreted by many as questioning the integrity and impartiality of match officials.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Leniu was sin-binned late in the first half of Samoa’s 44-12 semifinal loss to Australia in Sydney.
As he walked towards the tunnel, Leniu made a money gesture with his hand.
Leniu received a grade three contrary conduct charge.
- Charge
- Grade three contrary conduct
- Ban at stake
- Two games
- Match
- Samoa lost 44-12 to Australia
- Gesture
- Money gesture made while walking towards the tunnel
- Possible appeal penalty
- An additional one-game ban if Leniu contests the charge and loses
What people are saying
It was a real home-ground advantage for Australia
They had the music pumping in the background and we had a lot of Samoan fans here to support us, which was brilliant.