Why two of NRL’s most polarising stars could help end Eels misery
Updated . First published at
Parramatta have confirmed the signing of four-time premiership winner Spencer Leniu, just days after the prop lifted the trophy with the Sydney Roosters.
Leniu was enormous in the Roosters’ dramatic 19-18 win over the Knights in the grand final, but departs the club after being granted an early release.
Spencer Leniu signs his Eels contract. Parramatta Eels
The firebrand Samoan international will join the Eels on a four-year deal, which will keep him in a blue and gold jersey until the end of 2030.
“We’re thrilled to have Spencer join the Parramatta Eels and become part of what we’re building at this club,” general manager of football Mark O’Neill said.
“He’s one of the elite middle forwards in the game and has consistently performed on the biggest stages throughout his career.
“We’re excited to welcome Spencer and his family into the Eels community. We know he’ll make a tremendous contribution both on and off the field.”
It’s a massive boost for the Eels, who have struggled in recent seasons and are looking to climb back up the ladder under coach Jason Ryles.
There is negativity that surrounds Leniu, due to his aggressive nature, inconsistent performances and well-documented suspension for making a racist remark to Broncos star Ezra Mam in 2024 – but what can’t be discounted is he is a true game-changer like few others in his position across the NRL.
Sunday night’s grand final was a prime example of what the 26-year-old can bring to the table when he’s at his best and why rival players hate facing him.
With his side down 12-0 in the first half, Leniu was injected into the contest by Trent Robinson and immediately turned the momentum in the Roosters’ favour.
His barnstorming carries skittled Newcastle defenders left and right, before his brutal tackle on winger Dom Young forced an error, allowing the Roosters to level the scores early in the second half through Billy Smith.
In his 24-minute stint in the NRL decider, Leniu finished with seven runs for 94 metres, two tackle breaks, one offload and eight tackles.
It was a highly effective stint off the bench and the exact usage of Leniu that made him a superstar and cult figure during his days at Penrith.
If you look at the Eels, especially next year with Jarome Luai and Mitchell Moses set to combine in the halves, one thing they lack is firepower in the middle.
Junior Paulo is in the twilight of his career and doesn’t have the same impact he did in his prime. J’maine Hopgood and Jack Williams are workhorse forwards, while the likes of Sam Tuivati and Teancum Brown are still learning at NRL level.
Leniu offers genuine punch, whether as a starting prop or off the bench - a role he so often relishes - to a pack that desperately needs it.
Spencer Leniu celebrates with Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai and Brian To’o. Instagram/@crittaaa_
Leniu and Luai, two of the NRL’s most polarising stars, have a long-standing history and have found success with Penrith, NSW and Samoa over the years.
The five-eighth’s stay at Parramatta will only be short, but it could leave a lasting impact because together, Luai and Leniu bring a legitimate winning culture.
While he still has some detractors stemming largely from the Mam incident and his aggressive on-field antics, Leniu is also a cleanskin off the field and knows what it takes to win from his time at two of the NRL’s elite clubs.
“Spencer has brought a lot to our group over the last three years, both through the way he plays and the energy and personality he brings every day,” Roosters coach Robinson said on Thursday when Leniu’s exit was confirmed.
“He came to the Roosters wanting to challenge himself and continue to grow, and we’ve seen him develop not only as a player, but as a leader within our group.
“Spenny has a strong moral compass. He knows what he stands for, he cares deeply about his teammates and people around him, and he’s never afraid to speak up for what he believes in. Those qualities have made him an important and respected leader within our group.
Spencer Leniu in the grand final. Getty Images
“He brings an intensity and competitiveness to everything he does, and he challenges the people around him to be better.”
Comments like that from such a respected figure – especially given the narrative that the Roosters were unhappy with Leniu – should indicate the type of player and person the Eels are bringing into the club in 2027.
For a club reeling from Josh Addo-Carr’s recent drug driving charge, the drawn-out Zac Lomax exit and legal battle and another year of poor results, Leniu should be a welcome bit of good news for supporters desperate for success.
Parramatta Eels 2027 predicted team
1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Jordan Samrani 4. Will Penisini 5. Brian Kelly 6. Jarome Luai 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Junior Paulo 9. Ryley Smith 10. Jack Williams 11. Jaydn Su’A 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Sam Tuivati 17. Matt Doorey 18. Ronald Volkman 19. Matt Doorey
