The Sydney Roosters' lukewarm start to the NRL season could have consequences for a number of State of Origin players, with many slamming Spencer Leniu for his display against the Titans on Friday night. Leniu was a revelation for NSW in 2024, providing spark off the bench with short bursts of power and speed through the middle. However he's struggled to find the same form in 2025 and hasn't been nearly as effective as a starting player. Leniu missed the first two games of the NRL season after getting himself suspended for a high tackle in the pre-season. He performed well against the Warriors in Round 3, running for 117 metres and breaking six tackles in 53 minutes. However he crashed back to earth against the Titans in Round 4, running for just 69 metres in 42 minutes of action. He also missed four tackles and didn't break any with ball in hand. The former Panthers player completely lost his head in a game-changing moment in the second half with the game in the balance at 12-12. Jayden Campbell had just scored an intercept try to level the score when it appeared the Roosters were certain to score. In the very next set, Leniu tried to fire up his team by putting a big shot on David Fifita, but he went way over the top and gave away a penalty for a second effort in the ruck. Not long after the Titans scored again, and went on to win 30-12. Roosters fans were critical of Leniu's moment with Fifita, labelling it "embarrassing" and "costly". Some even went as far as to suggest NSW coach Laurie Daley can't afford to pick Leniu in Origin this year due to his habit of hot-headed brain snaps.
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