Is Ezra Mam to be Queensland’s next NRL half as a star is born

He grew playing street touch football with his cousins, Queensland Origin series winning heroes the Lees. And now Broncos-contracted Ezra Mam’s time has come to shine.

Ezra Mam grew up playing street touch football with his cousins, Queensland Origin series winning heroes the Lees, Edrick and Brenko.

And now Mam’s time has come to shine after a stunning three try debut for the Souths Logan Magpies today after being dragged into the side following the 11th hour withdrawal of Anthony Milford.

A star was indeed born as Mam, 18, skipped across for a hat-trick as the Magpies soared to a 34-20 win over the Capras in the Intrust Super Cup action this afternoon.

“To perform the way he did goes to show what a special talent he is and he just has to keep working hard,’’ said Souths Logan coach Steve Bretherton.

“As a group we are not surprised the way he played today.’’

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Mam only came into the Magpies top side last night when Milford was told he would be recalled for Brisbane’s next NRL match.

During the pre-season Mam was considered for the Souths Logan top tier halfback position before a decision was made to get his season underway playing within his age group in the under 18 Meninga Cup competition.

Ezra Mam Marsden SHS has sport guns in league, soccer and basketball that have enrolled this year. Thursday February 11, 2021. Picture, John Gass

Bretherton said it was best for his development he play with his age group and develop good traits and habits.

His Meninga Cup coach Billy Vine was not surprised to see him instantly successful on his senior debut today.

“He is elusive in broken play and always backs himself to go through a gap,’’ Mam said.

“He is courageous enough to back himself with plays that other may not try and he puts himself in all the right positions on the field.’’

Importantly Vine said Mam also aimed up in defence for a smallish halfback. “He is a tenacious defender and takes pride in his first contact,’’ Vine said.

Ezra Mam kicking for goal for Souths Logan’s Meninga Cup side.

A graduate of Ambrose Treacy College, Mam has a great pedigree.

A Goodna kid and Souths junior, he spent many weekends his cousins the Lees playing touch on the streets of Logan City.

“To see your family members playing at that level, you know it is possible,’’ he told the www.couriermail.com.au earlier in the year about watching his cousins in last years series deciding Origin match at Suncorp Stadium.

“You know they are not superheroes. You know they are just normal people and it makes you believe.’’

The Broncos have acknowledged his promise, signing him to a junior contract. “They really look after you mentally and care about you off the field as well,’’ said Mam, who in 2018 helped Queensland win the national under 15 carnival, leading to his selection in the Australian merit team.

Bretherton said Mam’s successful debut was another good story for the club.

“That is what our footy club is about, giving our junior reps and kids in our corridor a chance to play first grade,’’ the coach said.

Mam works at Marsden SHS as a trainee youth officer.