LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a blow to the Sydney Roosters, star player Spencer Leniu has been slapped with a two-game ban for a high tackle, leaving the NRL heavyweights without key players for the tough start to the 2025 season.
Leniu, known for his hard-hitting style on the field, was handed a grade-two careless high tackle charge on Monday, resulting in his absence from the Roosters' opening clashes against Brisbane and Penrith.
The prop now faces a dilemma - to accept the ban with an early guilty plea or to take his chances at a pre-season judiciary hearing, risking an extended period on the sidelines if unsuccessful.
To make matters worse for the Roosters, Leniu's suspension comes as a result of a heated incident stemming from last year's racial slur controversy in Las Vegas, where tensions ran high.
The Roosters, coming off a disappointing 48-10 loss to Newcastle, are now facing an uphill battle with injuries mounting, including Mark Nawaqanitawase's calf strain.
The team's defensive line, a key focus during the off-season, faltered in the face of a relentless Newcastle attack, highlighting areas of improvement needed to shore up their defense and prevent further points being scored against them.
The Roosters will need to rally together, draw on their strengths, and show resilience in the face of adversity as they navigate the challenges that lie ahead in the upcoming NRL season.
With a history of success and a proud legacy to uphold, the Roosters must regroup, refocus, and come back stronger to overcome these early setbacks and prove their mettle on the rugby league field.