Spencer Leniu, one of the most formidable front-rowers in the NRL, has shared his initial nerves when first asked to start for the Sydney Roosters. Previously, Leniu has spent almost 90% of his NRL career coming off the interchange bench, effectively exploiting tired defenses. However, with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves out of action, head coach Trent Robinson has tasked Leniu with leading the Roosters’ charge from the beginning.
Robinson had high hopes for Leniu to step up and fill the void left by Waerea-Hargreaves, who will be leaving the club at the end of the season. Before their 34-30 victory over Manly, Robinson expressed confidence in Leniu’s ability to take on this new role. The pressure to set the tempo of the game has left Leniu feeling slightly overwhelmed, despite his excitement at the opportunity.
Leniu, who has been named to start against the Dolphins at Perth’s HBF Park, admits that the prospect of starting a game is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. “I feel good every time I get that starting opportunity, it’s a thrill … but it makes me nervous,” Leniu said. The long wait leading up to the game can be particularly anxiety-inducing. However, drawing inspiration from his teammate Lindsay Collins helps him manage those nerves. Collins’ approach to the game serves as a source of motivation for Leniu.
Filling in for Waerea-Hargreaves is no small task. When coming off the bench, Leniu has the chance to observe the game and settle his nerves. Starting a game, however, requires him to set the tone right from the beginning. Despite the challenges, Leniu finds the new role exciting after spending most of his 80-odd games coming off the bench.
Leniu has become a fan favorite for his interactions with the crowd, often asking them to cheer him on as he prepares to return a kick-off. However, he acknowledges that these antics might need to be toned down for now, especially after Manly managed to score three tries following such interactions. “I might have to put it away because they (Manly) scored three tries after that,” Leniu admitted. Nevertheless, he enjoys engaging with the crowd, recognizing that fans pay to be entertained, and he aims to deliver on that front.
The upcoming match against Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins offers the Roosters an opportunity to demonstrate their killer instinct and solidify their standing as premiership contenders. Robinson emphasized the importance of learning to maintain their lead, pointing out that despite comfortably scoring against Manly, they nearly lost control of the game in the latter stages. “It’s frustrating sometimes but you’ve got to learn your lessons and work on it,” Leniu reflected. He remains optimistic about the team’s current position, believing that they have time to address their shortcomings before the finals. “We’ve still got a couple of weeks to right our wrongs going into finals and I’m sure come finals we’ll be humming,” he concluded.
Leniu’s journey from being a nervous starter to a key player in the Roosters’ lineup highlights his growth and the high expectations placed on him. His ability to adapt and rise to the challenge will be crucial as the Roosters aim for success in the finals.
