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Sea Eagles enforcer Haumole Olakau’atu has made the shocking claim he’s been called a ‘coconut’ on field during NRL games on multiple occasions.
The claim comes after Roosters prop Spencer Leniu was handed an eight-game suspension for calling Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam a ‘monkey’ during the Las Vegas showcase.
During Monday night’s hearing, Leniu claimed he only found out the term was racially offensive when an elderly Indigenous woman sent him a message on social media.
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Leniu also claimed his teammates “with the same skin tone” at times call each other ‘blacky’ and Olakau’atu told reporters he agreed with the Roosters prop.
He also revealed he believes Leniu’s suspension was too harsh, despite Indigenous NRL legend Johnathan Thurston calling for a ban of at least 12 weeks.
“We do use those words [Leniu mentioned] for banter, and for a laugh, we don’t use it for anything else, or have any emotions behind it,” Olakau’atu said.
“We’ve been called everything growing up. Us Polynesians have it tough growing up.
“Was the eight weeks for [Leniu] too long? For me, personally, yes. It was way too long. At the end of the day he apologised, right? He got charged. That is it.
“Four weeks would have been more than enough. You don’t know what’s going through his head now.
“Spencer said what he said, he didn’t mean it, and I believe him. I can see where he’s coming from [in his belief that terms were not racist].
“We do know some of the history of the Aboriginals on this land. For him to say that word, I didn’t think it was that big of a thing until it happened.”
Olakau’atu went on to speak about his own experiences with racism in the NRL and said “anyone” has used slurs against him when asked if the words came from white opposition.
‘Coconut’ is an offensive slur used in a derogatory manner towards people of Polynesian background.
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Olakau’atu himself is a proud Polynesian man, having represented Tonga twice and hailing from Sydney’s western suburbs.
“I’ve been called everything on the field, but it’s just words to me – I’ve been called ‘coconut’ many times in the NRL,” Olakau’atu said.
“Bro, anyone. It’s part of the game, it’s the heat of the moment, and at the end of the day they don’t really mean it. It’s just words to me.
“It will happen when you have a scuffle … I got called that growing up in school. You get used to it. It’s just words. I hope he [Leniu] gets this message. I hope he is doing well mentally.”
During Leniu’s hearing he was asked if he was aware of Indigenous AFL star Adam Goodes and the racial abuse he received during his playing days.
He was called an ‘ape’ during a clash against Collingwood at the SCG and Leniu admitted he wasn’t aware who Goodes was.
Olakau’atu also explained he was unaware of the events that occured almost a decade ago.
“Sorry man, I don’t know who that is, I don’t know who Adam Goodes is, sorry,” Olakau’atu said.
“Obviously we do know somewhat of the history of the Aboriginals in this land. For him (Leniu) saying that word, me personally I didn’t think it was that big of a thing until that happened.”
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