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Ezra Mama’s bleak future could see Ben Hunt return to Brisbane Broncos

Ezra Mama’s bleak future could see Ben Hunt return to Brisbane Broncos

Ezra Mam’s future at the Broncos is on life support and it could open the door for the State of Origin star to return to the club next season.

A 21-year-old man was arrested over the weekend after testing positive in a roadside drug test following a car crash.

It was alleged that the mother also drove a car without a license.

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Given the seriousness of the incident, which could see five-eighths face jail time, it’s hard to imagine a world in which Brisbane officials wouldn’t terminate his contract.

Less than a month ago, Mam got into trouble during a trip to Bali with teammate Reece Walsh, but the club cleared him of any sanctions.

Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam during the post-season holidays. Instagram

Mom might not be so lucky this time.

Speaking to 4BC on Monday morning, chief executive Dave Donaghy explained the status of the situation and said the mum had expressed remorse over the incident.

“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,” he said.

“But of course, from a club point of view, we are very disappointed to find ourselves in this position. In my conversation with Ezra he apologized for putting the club in this position and of course his concern was for others who were involved.” .

“He’s a young man, 21 – but unfortunately in this industry you have to grow up quickly – it’s a very privileged role.”

New coach Michael Maguire has already made it clear he plans to stabilize the team and rid the Broncos of the culture that saw them crash out of the finals in 2024, and the casualty could be one of the team’s most important stars.

Michael Maguire's first appearance as Broncos manager.

Michael Maguire during his first media appearance as Broncos manager. Nine

If he is serious about making such a change, Maguire must be sure to convince the Broncos to sack Mam – if he is found guilty – no matter how much time is left on his contract at Red Hill.

Not only did he break the law and put himself in danger, but he also endangered the lives of countless others on the road.

Whatever the Broncos and the NRL decide, there is virtually no chance Mam will be available for the start of next season.

The timing, which is of course entirely coincidental, comes at a time when Dragons captain Ben Hunt is agitating for a move away from the club.

Ben Hunt in action for the Dragons against the Gold Coast Titans in Round 24. Photo: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

Ben Hunt is weighing his options. NRL Photos

The 34-year-old has become increasingly frustrated over the last couple of years and after hearing the harsh truth from Shane Flanagan, the midfielder looks set to leave either before or after next season.

Hunt has openly expressed his desire to return home to Queensland as recently as last week and it would be a logical conversation for Maguire and co.

Adam Reynolds has just one year left on his contract and could retire, while Jock Madden looms as another potential replacement for Mam.

While Hunt clearly has less football in front of him than behind him, he could give the Broncos some class in the halves and provide a temporary development opportunity for young gun Coby Black, who is seen as the heir apparent to number seven. jumper.

If it’s not Hunt, the Broncos may have other options come Nov. 1.

Braydon Trindall is a household name and the Sharks playmaker is expected to attract plenty of interest from rival clubs – most notably St George Illawarra – and will no doubt be a target for Brisbane should they need a midfielder elite level.

At this stage Ma’am is entitled to the benefit of the doubt, but to say his future in Broncos colors is uncertain would be a huge understatement.

The drama in Brisbane should have ended when Kevin Walters was replaced by Maguire, but this off-season couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start for the new manager.