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NRL News: Broncos boss talks about Ezra Mama fallout in Brisbane amid serious developments surrounding Ben Hunt

NRL News: Broncos boss talks about Ezra Mama fallout in Brisbane amid serious developments surrounding Ben Hunt

Brisbane Broncos chief executive Dave Donaghy admits the club has “some cultural issues” to overcome after breaking his silence on Latest drama surrounding Ezra Mam. NRL The Broncos five-eighth’s future hangs in the balance after he was involved in a car crash in Brisbane on Friday night, with Queensland police alleging Mam was driving an unlicensed car and failed an initial roadside drug test.

Mam was detained by police and later taken to hospital for evaluation, but fortunately neither he nor the occupants of the other car, which was reportedly carrying a child, were seriously injured. Police say Mam tested positive for drugs and was then ordered to take a second drug test using blood samples, the results of which may not be known for weeks.

Pictured from left to right are Broncos NRL star Ezra Mam and Dragons captain Ben Hunt.Pictured from left to right are Broncos NRL star Ezra Mam and Dragons captain Ben Hunt.

The Broncos have addressed the recent drama surrounding Ezra Mama, with Dragons captain Ben Hunt linked with a potential move to Brisbane. Photo: Getty

The Broncos informed the NRL’s integrity department but initially made no further comment on the matter and Mam is yet to be charged. The incident is the last thing new coach Michael Maguire However, it is necessary and all eyes will be on the former Blues boss to see how he handles the situation. If Mame is found guilty of the charges against him, there’s a good chance the Broncos board could take the decision out of Maguire’s hands and terminate Mame’s $4 million contract.

Speaking on the 4BC morning show in Brisbane on Monday, the Broncos CEO gave no indication that would be the case and said Ma’am was very remorseful and concerned for the welfare of the people traveling in the car he collided with. “In my conversation with Ezra he apologized for putting the club in this position and of course he was concerned about the well-being of the others involved in the accident,” Donaghy said on Brisbane radio.

The Broncos CEO stressed it was too early to speculate on Mam’s future until his secondary test results are back and police complete their investigation. “We haven’t had an in-depth internal discussion, we want to make sure we have all the information so we can make the right decision,” Donaghy added. “But of course, from the club’s point of view, we are very disappointed to find ourselves in this position… He is a young man, he is 21 years old. But unfortunately, in this industry you have to grow up quickly. a very privileged role.”

Donaghy says the latest drama is a reminder of the challenges Maguire faced after agreeing to take the reins at Brisbane, but the Broncos coach says the veteran manager’s track record as a disciplinarian may be just what the club needs. “He has a proven track record and he certainly holds himself to a really high standard,” the Brisbane CEO said of the new coach.

“But it’s not just about Michael, it’s about the whole club, me, the staff that surround Michael and, of course, the playing group – the senior players. I’m not going to shy away from the fact that I believe we have some cultural problems. And that’s an area that we’re going to invest in and really get stronger.”

This image shows Ezra Mam playing for the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL in 2024. This image shows Ezra Mam playing for the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL in 2024.

Ezra Mam here playing for the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL in 2024. Photo: Getty

If Mam is found guilty of the charges against him and his contract with the Broncos is terminated, this could open the door for Brisbane to play against experienced playmaker Ben Hunt.. The Dragons have given their captain permission to talk to rival clubs about a move when his contract expires at the end of 2025, but could potentially release him sooner if a suitable offer emerges.

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Hunt has a $1 million-a-season deal with the Dragons but has made no secret of his desire to retire in Queensland, with the Broncos and Dolphins emerging as two potential landing spots for the Maroons star. Maguire has previously said his priority is keeping young hooker Corey Pax for next season, seemingly closing the door on a potential move for Hunt.

But Mama’s development could lead to a new opportunity for Brisbane to play for Hunt. Speaking on SEN 1170 breakfast on Monday, veteran commentator Andrew Voss said the Mum situation would “make Ben Hunt a very happy man”.

“If Ezra Mama gets sacked and he’s on $800,000 a year, the Broncos will have money to spend,” Voss said on SEN. Hunt made a substitution). I believe the Broncos are now the favorites to land Ben Hunt based on the outcome of the Ezra Mam story. If Ma’am is found guilty of all the charges that are being brought forward at this time, I don’t see how that can be done. Perhaps he will remain at the club.”