LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Mam's rejection of Leniu's apology has left many in the rugby league community stunned, with some calling for stronger disciplinary action to be taken.
The incident has dredged up memories of past racism controversies in the NRL, serving as a sobering reminder of the work that still needs to be done to combat discrimination in sport.
Leniu's misguided slur has not only tarnished his own reputation, but has also cast a shadow over the Roosters' season, putting a dent in their hopes for a successful campaign.
Mam's refusal to accept the apology sends a powerful message about the zero-tolerance policy towards racism in rugby league, setting a precedent for how such incidents should be handled in the future.
The ball is now in the NRL's court to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address this issue and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
As the rugby league community reels from this shocking episode, it is clear that there is still much work to be done to ensure that the sport remains a safe and inclusive space for everyone involved.