NRL news, 2024: Broncos’ Adam Reynolds on Ezra Mam’s future, and Brisbane’s Ben Hunt pursuit
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds has backed Ezra Mam to learn his lesson from the drug driving episode which has clouded his immediate NRL future, while backing the club’s pursuit of an emotional Ben Hunt reunion.
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Broncos captain Adam Reynolds has insisted Ezra Mam will learn his lesson from the drug driving episode which has clouded his immediate NRL future, while backing the club’s pursuit of an emotional Ben Hunt reunion.
Reynolds, who combined with Mam to steer the Broncos to within three minutes of grand final glory in 2023, has echoed new coach Michael Maguire’s sentiment in hoping Mam will play for Brisbane next year.
Queensland Police have charged Mam over a head-on car crash last month in which he collided with an Uber, which injured the driver and a four-year-old child.
Mam was unlicensed and police allege he also tested positive for drugs in a roadside test.
He is yet to enter a plea to the charges.
The 21-year-old has finished a stint in rehab and is not expected back at Broncos training until the new year.
The NRL integrity unit won’t determine a penalty until after Mam faces court on December 16.
Maguire has already said the Broncos won’t tear up Mam’s multimillion-dollar contract, while his close friend Reece Walsh insisted he can return to be one of the NRL’s most electric playmakers.
Reynolds, who has been a great foil for Mam since the pair combined in the halves, has now weighed in and stressed the five-eighth should be welcomed back into the Broncos’ fold at an appropriate time.
“I love Ezra as a person and player,” Reynolds said.
“He’s a good kid. He got caught up, as teenagers [or young men] can.
“He’ll learn a hell of a lot out of this. He’s got a great family and a great support system around him. I just hope he learns his lesson from this.
“He’s only just touching the surface with how good he is, and how good he’s going to be as a player. Obviously, he’s a big addition to our squad and someone we desperately love.
“Hopefully he can stick around [and play again in 2025].”
The seriousness of Mam’s situation has only heightened the Broncos’ urgency to bring former Dragons captain Hunt back to Red Hill, just weeks after he was released from the final year of his St George Illawarra deal.
Hunt made a lightning visit to Brisbane to speak to Maguire as well as Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf last weekend, but also has interest from Sydney clubs the Roosters and Bulldogs. Hunt’s family has been settled in the harbour city since 2018.
The prospect of Hunt returning to the Broncos to right the wrongs of the heartbreaking 2015 golden point grand final loss to the Cowboys would be one of the more romantic storylines of the season – and it could also include one of the most experienced halves combinations in the game.
Reynolds, 34, is closing in on his 300-game milestone while Hunt could trail only Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk on the all-time games list if he plays close to a full season next year.
Speaking at the Pro-Am for the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland on Wednesday, Reynolds endorsed Maguire’s all-out pursuit of Hunt as the State of Origin-winning coach tries to rejuvenate the Broncos inside 12 months.
READ MORE: Five factors that could swing Broncos into Hunt favouritism
“You hear all the rumours,” Reynolds said.
“It would be nice to have someone of that calibre at the club. There are a few pieces of the puzzle to move around.
“I don’t know the full details, but any club that has got Ben Hunt in it is going to be competitive. He’s a wonderful player. He’s done a lot of great things for the club and a lot of great things for the game.
“Of his quality, that’s a player you always want in your team. He would be a great addition to the club. Hopefully things work out.”
Originally published as NRL news, 2024: Broncos’ Adam Reynolds on Ezra Mam’s future, and Brisbane’s Ben Hunt pursuit
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