Raiders’ to make ‘red hot crack’ at pinching Broncos playmaker

Brisbane Broncos playmaker Ezra Mam has been one of the keys to the side’s success but at least one rival is eager to bring the youngster south.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 11: Ezra Mam of the Broncos looks to pass during the round 24 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and Parramatta Eels at The Gabba on August 11, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The Raiders have emerged as a potential landing spot for Broncos playmaker Ezra Mam, as they look for a replacement for outgoing star Jack Wighton.

The 20-year-old Mam is contracted to the Broncos for 2024, so is able to negotiate with other clubs from November 1 for the 2025 season.

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After re-signing Payne Haas to a monster $3.5 million deal, the Broncos still have a bevy of stars who will be looking for upgraded or extended contracts, including Reece Walsh, Kurt Capewell and Mam.

The Daily Telegraph’s Brent Read reported on Thursday that the Raiders have shown plenty of interest in Mam.

“They (Raiders) are taking a real close look at Ezra Mam,” Read told Triple M.

“Obviously they are losing Jack Wighton at the end of the year and they have a list of guys they are monitoring, and Ezra Mam is one of them. Who can blame them with the way he’s going this season.

“Brisbane re-signed Payne Haas but they got Ezra, Reece Walsh and some other guys they want to upgrade, but the cap only goes so far and Ezra will be looking at a pretty significant pay rise.

“Canberra, obviously with Jack Wighton leaving they need to fill that number 6 jersey at some point, and Ezra Mam is one of those November 1 guys.

“If he’s not tied down to a new deal with the Broncos by November 1, don’t be surprised if Canberra have a red hot crack at him.”

Ezra Mam has made the Broncos’ No. 6 his own. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

As Read noted, this news adds an “interesting subplot” to this weekend’s clash between the two sides at GIO Stadium, where the Raiders can clinch a finals spot with a win.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters admitted the club will do well to keep everyone, but says Mam is a player who is a main focus.

“It’s about having these players sticking together as best we can, we understand we can’t keep everyone and I’m not saying take less money because that’s not the way the world works today,” Walters told foxsports.com.au.

“Ezra Mam is the next one who is off (contract) then Walshy in a couple of years. But first of all we have to finish the season off strongly like I believe we can and once we get through this period then we’ll start talking contracts, particular Ezra and Walshy and all those that are coming off in the next period.”

Originally published as Raiders’ to make ‘red hot crack’ at pinching Broncos playmaker