{
  "id": 19086757,
  "title": "Leniu handed two-match ban after making money gesture to referees",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/leniu-handed-two-match-ban-after-making-money-gesture-to-referees",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T04:23:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News",
    "slug": "abc-news",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-09/rugby-league-world-cup-leniu-banned-referee-money-gesture/107364806"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Samoa's Spencer Leniu faces a two-match ban after making a money gesture towards referees during Samoa's semifinal loss to Australia in the Rugby League World Cup. If Leniu challenges the grade three contrary conduct charge and loses, he will serve an additional one-match suspension. Leniu, who will miss Parramatta's first two games of the 2027 NRL season, including their Las Vegas match, was sin-binned by referee Adam Gee late in the first half of Sunday's 44-12 defeat. The prop's gesture, interpreted by many as questioning the impartiality of match officials, came as he approached the tunnel. Leniu was charged with grade three contrary conduct on Monday. The 26-year-old, set to join Parramatta after the Sydney Roosters' 2026 premiership win, will miss the club's opening two games, including their US trip against Gold Coast. In the rare event Leniu contests the charge, he faces an additional one-game ban if his appeal fails. Samoa suffered a 9-4 penalty count in their loss, with coach Ben Gardiner hinting at home-ground advantages for Australia.",
  "summary": "The Samoa star is suspended after showing his frustration at the officiating in his side's loss to Australia in the Rugby League World Cup semifinal.",
  "key_points": [
    "Samoa's Spencer Leniu banned for two matches",
    "Leniu made money gesture to referees",
    "Additional one-match suspension possible"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The disciplinary action against Leniu underscores the strict penalties officials impose on players who publicly question the integrity of match officiating through provocative gestures on the field.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}