Footy legend Johnathan Thurston says the NRL dropped the ball with Spencer Leniu’s eight-week suspension – and calls for a FAR longer ban

NRL great Johnathan Thurston believes the game has failed its Indigenous stars by handing Sydney Roosters prop Spencer Leniu an eight-game suspension for his racial abuse of Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam.

Thurston, 40, said Leniu should have received a 12-week suspension after admitting to calling Mom “monkey” during the season opener in Las Vegas.

Speaking on Channel Nine’s Today program on Tuesday, the champion runner, who is a proud Indigenous man, felt the punishment did not fit the crime.

“There’s only one way that term is used and that’s racially,” Thurston said.

‘The NRL had a great opportunity to stand its ground, not just for the game but for society. I think the game has failed in this case.

‘I don’t think eight weeks is enough for what has been said and the mental scars that have arisen and what our culture has endured since the history of colonization.

“I thought it was a great opportunity to have 12 weeks and a total ban on all racial slurs if you are found guilty.”

Thurston also revealed that she spoke to mom, who is “devastated” by what happened.

“I think probably 12 weeks would have been enough for racial vilification in the field,” he added.

‘(I get) quite emotional talking about a bit. Without a doubt, he has left many scars in our town. I know Spencer came out and took it like she did, she apologized to Ezra.

‘I spoke to Ezra after the game to check on him and his well-being. He was pretty devastated by all of this.

“He has great family support around him and also the players. I thought it was a great opportunity to make a statement and I don’t think eight weeks is enough.”

Leniu publicly apologized to Mam three days after the incident in the US and also offered to travel to Brisbane to meet the center face to face, which was rejected by the Broncos’ young gun.

The Roosters enforcer faced a 90-minute court hearing on Monday night in Sydney after pleading guilty to his contrary conduct charge.

Now he will not be available for the Tricolores until the tenth matchday of this season.