“Brothers for life”.
That was the vow Spencer Leniu, Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai and Brian To’o made to each other over dinner last Christmas.
With Leniu moving from Penrith to Sydney Roosters this season and Crichton joining Canterbury, the quartet and their partners got together for a dinner at Luai’s house.
Leniu, Crichton, Luai and To’o, who grew up together in Mt Druitt, helped the Panthers to a premiership three-peat in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and spearheaded Toa Samoa to the World Cup final in 2022.
Now they are re-united in the NSW team for the opening Origin against Queensland at Accor Stadium on June 5.
“Our relationship together is so special,” Leniu said.
“We had dinner at Romy's house for Christmas last year with all the partners, and we spoke to each other about no matter where we go in life, what paths we take, we will always be brothers, we will always be a family.
“It’s not only what we’ve achieved, but we’ve ridden the lowest of lows together and that’s what makes us brothers, and that’s why we will be brothers for life.
“That’s special and we have a bond, and a brotherhood, that is unbreakable. When you go through tough times you know who your brothers are.”
Leniu is referring to the racial abuse charge which arose from his first game for the Roosters against the Broncos at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and resulted in an eight-match suspension.
While the 23-year-old was reluctant to discuss the incident with Brisbane playmaker Ezra Mam after being selected for his Origin debut, Leniu spoke about the importance of the support he received from Crichton, Luai and To’o.
“They're definitely my circle and they were there for me,” Leniu said.
“If I was going to give some advice to some of the young ones coming up playing footy, it is to know your circle. You'll know your circle real fast when you go through tough times like that.
“If anyone thinks I'm a racist, it is what it is. I can't control that. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but I have a real small circle and those in my circle are the only opinions that matter.”
The brawl that defined Crichton and Leniu's friendship
He is also thankful to the Roosters and coach Trent Robinson for standing by him.
“That was a massive thing for me, and I want to stay [at the Roosters] for life,” Leniu said.
“They stuck by me mentally and physically during that during those eight weeks and I just want to go out there and play good footy to pay them back.”
Despite the support of his current and former team-mates, Leniu is bracing to be booed by fans during Origin, particularly for the final match in Brisbane.
I'm sure it's not going to be his last Origin jersey.
Spencer Leniu on Roosters captain James Tedesco
However, the Blues enforcer said he wouldn’t back down if the Maroons targeted him for special treatment and was looking forward to a physical contest.
“To be honest, I don't think there has been any Origin game that’s not fiery, so I guess if anyone sees Maroon, it’s on; if they see Blue, it’s on,” he said.
“We're just going have to wait and see when we cross those white lines [on the field], but I know if I see my Maroon, it's on.
“I think that just comes with playing that sort of prop role. You’ve got to take all that type of stuff and play aggressive. That's sort of who I am, and I just can't wait to rip in.
“I just love this game so much, so if I get 10,000 boos and one hooray, then I’ll take it.”
Leniu is one of six debutants in Michael Maguire's first NSW team and 11 new faces from the last Origin match, including former Panthers team-mate Dylan Edwards.
While Leniu is happy for Edwards, he admitted to having mixed emotions after he was selected at fullback in place of Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco, who has played 22 Origins for the Blues.
"Teddy's the ultimate professional and when I see him at training I am in awe," Leniu said.
"I was a fan of his growing up and to be by his side, with him leading me, is sort of like a dream come true.
“I am sure it’s not going to be his last Origin jersey."
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