Ezra Mam’s immediate NRL future is engulfed by a cloud of uncertainty, and it leaves the Broncos with an enormous void to fill before they launch their 2025 campaign.
But the answer could be a surprise bolter – a trialling prospect who could be one summer slog away from convincing new coach Michael Maguire he has the tools to thrive in the NRL.
Mam was charged by police last week, following his involvement in a car accident that sent a woman, her child and their Uber driver to hospital while driving unlicensed, before failing a roadside drug test.
While the NRL has not determined a punishment, and Maguire confirmed on 4BC Radio the star five-eighth would not be sacked, reports have suggested he could be dealt up to a three-month suspension.
“He’s a person, and we’ve got to make sure he’s all right. He’s obviously got things he’s dealing with and has to get through,” Broncos star and Mam’s close friend, Reece Walsh, said.
“He’s an awesome person, and we love having him around the club. It’s going to be a little bit weird without him, but I know when he gets back he’s going to have the mindset to work really hard and get himself back up.
“I just hope he’s in a good space. It’s a bit tough, but things happen in life. We’re all people, and you have to make sure everyone is all right.”
Contracted Broncos halves Jock Madden and Josh Rogers loom as the likely successors for the No.6 jumper, however neither ignited the side this year under former coach Kevin Walters.
That could open the door for train and trialist Latrell Siegwalt to press his case, should he convince Maguire of his credentials in the preseason.
Siegwalt was brought to the Redcliffe Dolphins by current Brisbane assistant Ben Te’o, and shone in his maiden Queensland Cup campaign at both fullback and five-eighth.
The Wagga Wagga product is in line to challenge fellow trialist Hayze Perham to replace the departing Tristan Sailor as Walsh’s deputy, and his versatility could push him ahead of the queue.
Sailor, who began his stint at Red Hill on a train and trial deal, starred in Walsh’s injury and State of Origin absences to ultimately garner a three-year deal with English Super League giants St Helens.
The Broncos hope to fill their final top 30 spot with veteran halfback Ben Hunt. However, his price tag may force the club to lean towards a budget option such as Siegwalt or Perham.
“Obviously having Tritto go over to the UK I’m really happy for him, I know he’s going to go over there and kill it,” Walsh said.
“He’s told me he’s going to be one of the best in the comp. But there’s some really good talent – Latrell and Lachie West, and I think Hayze isn’t back at training yet, but I know all the boys are hungry.”
Siegwalt has now been aligned with Souths Logan Magpies under coach Karmichael Hunt, and the Broncos premiership-winner had seen enough of him, rugby union convert Glen Vaihu and hooker Callum Eggerling, to suggest they could handle the rigours of the Maguire regimen.
“The three boys we’ve got there – Glen, Callum and Latrell – they’re there because we believe they’re the top tier of our team,” Hunt said.
“They must earn their jersey, but they’re already a step ahead of everyone else with their potential.”
Sydney Morning Herald
