Banned Ezra Mam returns to Brisbane Broncos training for first time after car accident saga

Ezra Mam has hit the training paddock for the first time since being hit with sanctions for his involvement in a car accident - but the door has been shut on a potential early return for the Broncos star.

Broncos star Ezra Mam has returned to training but it will be at least four months before he can play after the NRL closed a loophole on his comeback.

Mam officially reported for pre-season training this week after putting the drug driving saga that landed him in court behind him.

Returning Bronco Ben Hunt has also officially joined training since signing with Brisbane for the following two seasons.

Mam, 21, was last month hit with an $850 fine and six-month licence suspension after testing positive to cocaine following a head-on car crash in Brisbane in October.

He entered a rehabilitation facility for four weeks following the incident before facing court in the lead-up to Christmas where he pleaded guilty to drug and unlicensed driving charges.

Mam was also issued a nine-game suspension by the NRL and $30,000 fine while the Broncos imposed their own $90,000 penalty, taking his total sanctions to $120,000.

Ezra Mam at Broncos training.

He was issued a show cause notice and ordered to front Brisbane’s board.

Mam was told to stay away from Red Hill during the first two months of pre-season training to focus on his off-field distractions.

But with the matter formally sorted before Christmas, Mam returned to Broncos’ headquarters this week, participating in hill running on Monday and a field session on Tuesday.

Mam had been training twice a day away from the Broncos and working as a labourer on building sites during the day.

Mam will not be available for NRL selection until round 10 of the season when the Broncos face the Rabbitohs in Sydney.

Given his suspension is not judiciary-related, there were suggestions Mam may be able to play in Queensland’s Hostplus Cup for one of Brisbane’s feeder clubs.

However that will not be the case and he will have to wait until at least May 9 to make his comeback.

Ezra Mam has returned to the training field this week after an off field accident involving his vehicle hitting another car.

Mam may also have to bide his time in reserve grade depending on the circumstances at the Broncos when he is available for selection.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire said Mam was happy to be back at training and had kept in shape.

“Ezra is back into training now,” he said.

“He has been training morning and night on the other side of work for the last two months. He has been out working, training in the morning at 5am and then running late at night on his own.

“He has come back in pretty good shape and he will spend plenty of time working on himself.

“I can imagine he’s really happy to be back. His head is down and he’s working like everyone else in pre-season.

Ben Hunt has returned to the Brisbane Broncos after leaving the St George Illawarra Dragons.

“He has gone through a fair bit over the last three months so he’s making sure he’s focused on what he needs to do, looking after himself and getting himself right for further down the track.”

With Mam to sit out at least the opening two months of the premiership, Hunt is set to wear Brisbane’s No. 6 jersey.

Hunt is shaping up to be a crucial signing for the Broncos as he prepares to partner halfback Adam Reynolds, who is currently on light duties following neck surgery.

Originally published as Banned Ezra Mam returns to Brisbane Broncos training for first time after car accident saga