'Our little nations carried this World Cup': Leniu takes aim at $850 pay as Pacific stars demand their fair share
Samoan enforcer Spencer Leniu has accused rugby league's governing body of profiting from Pacific crowds while paying the players who draw them a fraction of what Australia's stars receive.
In an Instagram post on Monday, days after Samoa and Tonga were knocked out of the Rugby League World Cup, Leniu revealed that players from emerging nations earn $850 a game. By his account, Kangaroos players take home between $30,000 and $40,000 for the tournament.
"Let's be honest, our little nations carried this WC," Leniu wrote.
The Samoan forward opened his post by saying he had already done everything the game has to offer, and that his focus now was making sure young players who choose to represent their nations "get what they deserve".
Crowds built by Pacific fans
Leniu pointed to the Tonga v Samoa group clash at CommBank Stadium, which drew a record crowd and was scheduled as part of a triple header. He said organisers built the fixture around the Pacific communities who reliably fill stadiums with colour, noise and pride.
"There's no secret that they've used our people to sell games," he wrote.
Leniu said Polynesian and Kiwi players would always put their hand up to wear their nation's jersey.
"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," he wrote.
He vowed to use his voice and platform to push for change for the next generation, even if it meant "putting head on the chopping block".
"This is bigger than me!" he wrote.
True to form, Leniu signed off with a touch of humour, inviting fans to roast him over his own performances at the tournament.
Samoa captain Jarome Luai backed his teammate, using his own social media to call out NRL boss Peter V'landys and the NRL over the issue.
World Cup heads to Pacific heartlands in the US
Leniu's post landed on the same day the International Rugby League (IRL) confirmed the next World Cup will be played in the United States for the first time.
Host cities are yet to be named, but Hawaii, Utah and California are seen as leading candidates because of their large Polynesian populations. The IRL also confirmed matches will be played in Magic Round-style weekends, with every game in a round staged at a single venue.
Leniu said the choice of those locations proved how central Pacific people are to growing the game, and argued that if the IRL plans to make money from that support, Pacific nations should be paid fairly.
IRL chairman Troy Grant said the move was designed to build on record crowds and TV audiences at this year's tournament, crediting the skill, intensity and passion of the teams.
The men's World Cup will expand to 12 teams and the women's to 10, opening the door for nations including Italy, Greece, Ireland, Scotland, Jamaica and the USA. The 2034 tournament is planned for Europe.
The NRL will also return to Las Vegas in 2027 for a fourth straight season opener.