Spencer Leniu

[QWERTY]

David Riccio reported this morning on the radio that Spencer Leinu has signed a 2 year deal to sign with the Sydney Roosters. 2024 onward. Take with a grain of salt. But seems the rumours have been true. And some of the guys who called it early on this page have spot on sources.

Agreed, not signed

[Spirit of 66]

Spencer Leniu informs Penrith he will leave club, Roosters set to swoop


Leniu has told the Panthers that he will join close friend Stephen Crichton in leaving the club at the end of the season, with the Sydney Roosters’ recruitment spree expected to step into overdrive in the coming days to secure Leniu’s services from next season.

On the back of securing the services of Newcastle winger Dominic Young for next year, the Roosters are finalising a deal to get Leniu to the club in 2024. The Bulldogs had shown interest but pulled out of the race.

While the Panthers wanted to keep Leniu, who is a local junior, the club’s success has put a strain on their salary cap position.

Leniu is one of the most destructive forwards in the NRL but is currently coming off the bench behind Kiwi international props James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota.

While the Panthers have a high opinion of Leniu, a large chunk of their salary cap is already tied up on the two props they have starting each week.

While Leniu indicated his preference was to remain at Penrith, the Panthers couldn’t table an offer that reflects his value on the open market, nor could they guarantee him a position in the starting side.

Leniu would slot straight into the starting team of most clubs in the NRL, but Penrith have arguably the best front-row combination in the competition.
While the club is disappointed to lose Leniu, they are privately pleased the junior pathways system at the club is continually producing regular first-graders.

The Panthers have lost several big name premiership-winners over the past two years, including Api Koroisau, Viliame Kikau, Charlie Staines, Matt Burton and Kurt Capewell.

“Spencer has been there (Penrith) pretty much all of his life, playing with Minchinbury Jets all the way through, so he found it really hard to consider moving initially,” Leniu’s manager Joe Nakat said.

“Once salary cap pressures became more obvious, he realised it was going to be hard to stay. The other fact is he wants to play more minutes. He averages under 20 minutes per game and has reached a point in his career where he is ready to compete for a starting prop position.

“It’s hard at a club like Penrith when they have outstanding starting props. It’s a combination of how he’s able to go to the next level. When he’s not a starting prop, Penrith’s ability to pay him market value gets harder.

“Spencer has a very positive view to the club. It was a really positive discussion with Penrith. We tried to make it work but in the end it became obvious that to fulfil his potential he had to move on.”

In the back of the mind of Penrith powerbrokers is the fact the club has plenty of talent coming through the system to replace its departing stars, resulting in Penrith winning the top four grade in 2023 (NRL, NSW Cup, Jersey Flegg and SG Ball).

“The way that Spencer and his management have conducted conversations over the last few months are a credit to them both,” Panthers rugby league CEO Matt Cameron said.

“We didn’t want to lose Spencer, but we’re confident in the rugby league pathways we have at Panthers. It’s disappointing to see local juniors leave the club, but we’re excited to see the next generation come through.

“We’re a development club with a build from within mantra, and the club will continue to produce talented rugby league players. We’re more than confident the club will continue to do so for years to come.”

Leniu has played 61 games in the NRL since making his debut for Penrith, playing in both of the club’s premiership triumphs. He’s also played five Tests for Samoa, including last year’s World Cup final against Australia at Old Trafford in Manchester.

“Although it’s disappointing to see a Panthers junior sign with another NRL club, we understand Spencer is a premiership winner and international player, who has received external interest,” Cameron said.

“The club respects Spencer’s decision, and understands the situation reflects salary cap pressure based on the club’s recent success. Panthers thanks Spencer for his efforts for the club and is looking forward to seeing him run out for the Panthers for the remainder of the 2023 NRL season.”

[weplayforprems]

He goes hard, but he’s not nearly big enough for BB.

That’s the way front rowers are going with the insane speed of the game. This kid is a goer. He will be a great signing

[Timmah]

What’s wrong with keeping May, Tuku and the Va’a boys, instead of shelling out $$$ for another semi-proven prop?

[Spirit of 66]

What’s wrong with keeping May, Tuku and the Va’a boys, instead of shelling out $$$ for another semi-proven prop?

Presumably because those boys aren't even semi-proven yet. I'm sure they're still very much part of the Roosters plans.

[tloos1999]

What’s wrong with keeping May, Tuku and the Va’a boys, instead of shelling out $$$ for another semi-proven prop?

Tuku has struggled even in NSW cup. Leinu has won two premierships. He can play minutes, but doesn’t get them in abundance due to JFH and Leota starting. He’s 22, runs the ball like a monster, and gives me shades of Jared. Massive signing and I think people on this forum will underrate it till he plays for us.

[Steakface]

Bring in the HAAS.

You know we want him.

Don't need the bullshit at the club surely.

Both he and and his mother appear to be mentally defective.

[Steakface]

Tuku has struggled even in NSW cup.

I've got a feeling this guy will not see first grade again at the Roosters, and will likely be shipped elsewhere.

Probably the biggest unit i've seen since Mose Masoe (which is why the Chook Pen jizzes over him) but pure size isn't everything clearly.

He has been in our system since 2019, and players that hang around for 3 odd years in reserves with zero first grade permanency rarely make it.

[Dr. Voodoo Man]

Don't need the bullshit at the club surely.

Both he and and his mother appear to be mentally defective.

Plus his mother will go on trial in the coming months and will likely receive a custodial sentence. We don't need the drama.

[Waylander]

What’s wrong with keeping May, Tuku and the Va’a boys, instead of shelling out $$$ for another semi-proven prop?

I like May, but if we assume that Jazz is finishing up this year, we need another prop for the rotation. Which of the other 3 do you expect to be ready for regular NRL football next year? Because that's what our immediate need is.

[BraveTheWorld]

I rate Leniu very highly, and think this is a great pick-up. Looks a done-deal at this stage as well.

Would've taken Moses Leota in a perfect world instead, but Leniu will be terrific for us.

[Chook Norris]

Would be a huge signing. Anyone whose seen his Riff games would surely see the size of his runs + pace/agility

From memory made a great break against the rabbits in the semi that showed what he's all about on the field

[top_joe]

Was he the player that also wanted to punch on with a Souffs player as they were both headed to the bin? Loved him for that.

[Waylander]

Would be a huge signing. Anyone whose seen his Riff games would surely see the size of his runs + pace/agility

From memory made a great break against the rabbits in the semi that showed what he's all about on the field

Yep, busted straight up the middle, showed good pace, but then copped a Taane Milne special that sent him off for a HIA.

[Johnny Brass]

Great pick up if we have got him. Strong as a bull with good leg speed and low to the ground with a left foot step. I think he has been more damaging for the panthers off the bench than Collins has been for us over the last couple of years. He should be starting but behind Leota and Fischer-Harris wasn't going to happen.
The way Robbo and Uncle Nick have gone to market suggests to me that it will be JWH and Toups last year for us.