Brad Fittler says rival players are jeopardising the judiciary process by commenting on Spencer Leniu’s hearing, but South Sydney are backing Latrell Mitchell to keep speaking out.
Brad Fittler says the NRL should sanction rival players – led by Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell – who have made public comments on Spencer Leniu’s upcoming judiciary hearing. But South Sydney have backed Mitchell to continue speaking out on social justice matters following his comments on Leniu’s prospective ban, support for Brisbane’s Ezra Mam and war of words with Anthony Mundine.
Leniu has pleaded guilty to calling Mam a “monkey” in last week’s Las Vegas season-opener and issued a public apology ahead of Monday’s judiciary hearing, where the Roosters enforcer will be sentenced., taking issue with public comments by players that could prejudice the front-rower’s chances of a fair hearing. Mitchell has made several comments on the matter on social media, including a post that suggested an 8-12 week ban by replying “and then some”, while fellow Indigenous leader Nicho Hynes also urged the NRL to “draw a line in the sand” regarding sanctions for racial vilification. Fittler, who coached both players at Origin level and has been a strong proponent of Indigenous issues in the game, believes the commentary is out of line.“The NRL has rules where you can’t come out and make comments about situations that are going to judiciary. So they should be in trouble. If you want to support Ezra, ring him up. Go and see him. That’s how you support someone.”on Friday after taking issue with the former boxer’s claim that Leniu’s remark to Mam was “not racism”.Mundine returned by claiming that Mitchell has been “underperforming far too long” and should “earn the right to talk”. Rabbitohs teammate Keaon Koloamatangi said Mitchell had already done so, speaking after training at South Sydney’s Maroubra base.“Everything that he says, he doesn’t say something for no reason ... because he has that public figure and authority, people listen to him and he has an effect on people in the community. “He’s a great role model for young kids, especially his people and indigenous people and he’ll continue to be that leader going forward.”
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