Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy speaks publicly for first time since Ezra Mam’s car crash, failed drug test

Dave Donaghy has broken his silence on the conversation he had with Ezra Mam after his car crash and failed roadside drug test.

• Crash: Crisis will define what coach stands for

Brisbane Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy has finally broken his silence on the car crash involving star player Ezra Mam, shedding light on the club’s approach moving forward. Speaking on 4BC’s breakfast show, Donaghy addressed the uncertainty surrounding Mam’s future, acknowledging that while no firm decisions have been made, the incident is being taken very seriously.

“We haven’t had a discussion internally in depth, we want to ensure that we’ve got all the information so we can make the right decision for us,” Donaghy told radio host Peter Fegan.

“But certainly from a club’s perspective, we’re very disappointed to find ourselves in a position like this.”

Brisbane Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said the club is very disappointed to be in the position it finds itself in. Picture: David Clark

Mam was involved in a head-on collision with an Uber driver on Friday afternoon in Bardon, sparking an investigation by Queensland Police and the NRL integrity unit.

The 21-year-old is awaiting the results of a second drug test after allegedly failing a roadside test. He was also driving unlicensed.

Brisbane Broncos player Ezra Mam tested positive to a roadside drug test and was hospitalised after being involved in a car crash in Brisbane on Friday night. Source: Supplied.

Donaghy revealed that Mam has been remorseful, saying that in their conversations his main concern has been the wellbeing of the Uber driver and passengers involved, including a child.

“In my conversation with Ezra, he’s apologised for putting the club in this position, and certainly his concerns have been for the others that were involved in the accident,” Donaghy said.

Donaghy defended Mam’s character, describing him as a “genuinely decent young man” who has lost his way recently.

He acknowledged the pressures young players face, stating that growing up quickly is the “price of entry” in professional sport.

“He’s a young man, he’s a 21 year old – But unfortunately, in this industry, you need to grow up quickly – It’s a very privileged role,” he added.

Ezra Mam, left, and new Broncos coach Michael Maguire.

As the Broncos grapple with the fallout from Mam’s incident, Donaghy also touched on the broader cultural issues within the team.

He expressed confidence in newly appointed head coach Michael Maguire, who is set to officially start this week, to help steer the club in the right direction.

“He’s got a proven track record of performance and certainly holding really high standards,” he said.

“But it’s not all on Michael, it’s on the whole club, it’s on myself, it’s on the staff that are around Michael, and certainly for the playing group, it’s on the senior players.”

“I’m not going to shy away from the fact I do believe we’ve got some cultural challenges, And that’s an area that we’re going to invest in and be really stronger.”

Corey Oates on KIIS97.3. Photo: KIIS.

Former Broncos player Corey Oates also spoke out about Mam’s crash with KIIS97.3 hosts Robin and Kip, revealing that the news had shaken him.

“I’m really close to the guy, so it actually rattled me a fair bit,” Oates shared.

“I’ve tried to reach out to him, and I’ve spoken to a fair few people over the phone that have tried to reach out to him, too.”

He added that he believes Mam is embarrassed and deeply affected by the incident, calling it out of character for the young playmaker.

“I know that this is definitely not him, and not something that he that ever thought would be something he’d have to deal with,” Oates said.

“I just know that he’ll be absolutely rattled, being a young fella and just the sort of person he is.”

As the NRL’s integrity unit continues its investigation, Queensland Police await the results of Mam’s secondary drug test to determine whether charges will be laid.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Mam’s future, Donaghy made it clear that the Broncos are focused on addressing the internal issues that have plagued the club this year.

“We certainly are clear that we want our program to be performance-led. We don’t want it to be lifestyle-led, and we know that’s going to take a hell of a lot of hard work,” Donaghy stated.