Trent Robinson has explained why the Sydney Roosters have no plans to reel in the approach from Spencer Leniu after the firebrand was sin binned last weekend.
The front-rower was one of four players given marching orders against the Dolphins after a wild melee broke out early in the clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Leniu was seen by many as the instigator after shaping up towards Aublix Tawha, but managed to escape any suspension despite two contrary conduct charges.
READ MORE: Madge fuels talk of remarkable Cobbo career twist
READ MORE: Why 'pear-shaped' Man United could reignite 'big four' battle
READ MORE: 'Family friendly': AFL boss defends Snoop Dogg decision
However, as pointed out by Robinson, what initially prompted the tension between the two sides was Tawha pushing Sam Walker in the back moments earlier.
"I see a guy [Leniu] that's passionate about protecting his halves," the coach said.
"I don't think anything was going to happen until someone touched Sammy Walker.
"The game didn't like it with the charges, and I think a couple of guys could have got charges – 'Fahu' [Naufahu Whyte] and one of their players was probably a bit too much.
"You don't want people running in from a long distance – I understand that – but I think I've had 100 per cent of comments that have been really positive about the way that game was played and the intensity of those guys.
"No one got hurt, there was no trouble from it and people knew why it happened."
Leniu, Whyte and Tawha all avoided suspension for the brawl, but Dolphins prop Francis Molo – who was also involved – copped a one-game ban for a high tackle.
Robinson was also quick to point out that part of the reason why Leniu and Whyte had such a fierce response in defence of their teammates stems from previous incidents.
Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
This year, key forwards Nat Butcher and Siua Wong have both spent time on the sidelines due to knee injuries suffered as a result of foul play and Robinson admitted that while it's a fine line for Leniu to walk, there was a reason behind it.
"I think supporting Spenny and the boys when they want to protect each other (is fine) because we've had some foul play that has gone untouched," he said.
"We've had significant foul play this year that we haven't even received a penalty for and sometimes the guys get a bit sick of it and want to make a stand of it themselves.
"I definitely don't want Spenny running in from 20 metres, but do I want him protecting our half? There's a few different ways to do that without getting sent to the bin – but do I want an aggressive Spencer Leniu? Definitely.
"It's good for our game, it's good for the Roosters. Going to that line and just under it is pretty good for us … that's who he is."
Robinson's men will take on the Bulldogs on Friday night at Allianz Stadium.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.