League pay debate reignites as Toa Samoa's Spencer Leniu faces ban for money gesture

Toa Samoa's Spencer Leniu has taken to social media after a controversial gesture saw him sent off in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup semifinal.

His money gesture to the referee saw him hit with a grade three contrary conduct offence, and a guilty plea will see him miss two games.

Leniu was sent to the sin bin on the stroke of half-time after unleashing his frustrations on referee Adam Gee.

If he challenges the ban and is found guilty, the ban will go up to three games.

The ban will carry over to the start of the 2027 NRL season when Leniu is joining the Eels.

Leniu said on his social media on Monday that one thing he wants to make sure of moving forward is that the younger generation who choose to represent their beautiful little nations get what they deserve.

"Let's be honest, our little nations carried this WC. Yet we are payed 850 a game to the Aussies 30/40k for the tournament," he wrote on Instagram.

"There's no secret that they've used our people to sell games. Look no further than Samoa vs Tonga. Arguably the most hyped-up and anticipated game of the tournament. They make it a triple header because our people turn up in numbers, fill the stadiums and create an atmosphere filled with pride and passion.

"Us Polynesians/Kiwi boys will always put their hands up to represent their nations. It's in our blood. It's our pride, our culture. But that passion shouldn't be an excuse to overlook what we contribute and what we deserve."

RNZ Pacific has reached out to International Rugby League for comment.

This followed reports that some member associations were concerned that Australian players were reportedly due to receive AU$40,000 as a flat payment per player.

That deal is being reported to have been made between the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and the Rugby League Players' Association (RLPA).

In contrast, players from Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga were to receive AU$2,550 for three weeks; AU$3,440 if their team makes the top four; and AU$4,250 if they reach the final.

Danny Kazandjian, the IRL Secretary General, said players receive a standard fee for each match they play and 50 per cent of any prize money is shared equally among the squad, irrespective of appearances.

"The match fee is being introduced for the first ever time and is an initiative of the host organisation, Australia Rugby League (ARLC).

"Should participant national federations choose to pay their own national team players in addition to the contracted RLWC match fee, that is up to them."

He said every participating squad in the world cup has all their costs covered, including flights into the host country, all internal transportation in the event, and meals and accommodation.