NRL, 2024: Ezra Mam, Broncos half, under NRL investigation after Brisbane car crash

Broncos star Ezra Mam was drug tested by police and hospitalised after being involved in a car crash with an Uber driver in Brisbane on Friday night.

Broncos star Ezra Mam was drug tested by police and hospitalised after being involved in a car crash with an Uber driver in Brisbane on Friday night.

The NRL integrity unit will begin an immediate investigation after being notified of the incident by Brisbane bosses in the latest off-field saga to hit the Broncos.

Mam was hospitalised as a precaution following a two-car collision in Bardon while moving house.

No-one was seriously injured in the crash.

The Broncos notified the NRL of the incident during the Kangaroos’ Pacific Championship opener against Tonga at Suncorp Stadium.

Ezra Mam pictured at training earlier this season. Picture: Liam Kidston

Queensland Police confirmed Mam was involved in a crash and is awaiting routine roadside drug test results. Mam is not accused of any wrongdoing.

“Police are investigating following a two-vehicle traffic crash at Bardon tonight, October 18,” police said in a statement.

“Initial investigations indicate at approximately 5.20pm, a Ford Ranger utility was travelling north-east along Simpsons Road when it struck a Toyota Camry, travelling in the opposite direction, near the intersection of The Drive.

“Initial roadside drug testing was conducted on the driver of the utility, a 21-year-old Ipswich man; however, police are awaiting results.

“No-one was seriously injured, and investigations are continuing.”

It is understood Mam was driving in Brisbane’s western suburbs when he was involved in a head-on collision with an Uber driver.

There were two passengers in the Uber vehicle, including an adult and a child, both of whom were taken to hospital for tests.

Mam suffered a blow to his head, but was not seriously injured.

The Broncos confirmed in a statement that Mam had been hospitalised and the incident had been reported to the NRL.

“Broncos player Ezra Mam has been involved in a road accident this afternoon in Brisbane,” the statement read.

“He has been transported to hospital for treatment but his injuries appear to be minor at this stage.

“The Broncos have informed the NRL Integrity Unit of the matter. No further comment will be made on the issue at this stage.”

It is the second off-field incident to hit Mam in recent weeks.

Mam missed the latter stages of the NRL season with an ankle injury and was the subject of an integrity unit investigation only a matter of weeks ago after an incident in Bali, where he was holidaying with teammate Reece Walsh.

Ezra Mam was named in the Maroons’ extended Origin squad this season. Picture: Getty Images

A concerned parent contacted the integrity unit after a phone was damaged. It is understood the phone was replaced but the integrity unit was duty-bound to look into the matter after a complaint was made.

The club now has another issue to deal with on the back of a disastrous 12th-placed finish this season.

The club’s own inquiries are only made more difficult given Broncos chair Karl Morris and chief executive Dave Donaghy are currently overseas and due to arrive back in Brisbane on Saturday.

The Broncos have experienced a turbulent few months following a dramatic slide down the NRL ladder which culminated in missing the finals and the sacking of coach Kevin Walters.

Walters has been replaced by Michael Maguire, who is preparing to kick-off his first pre-season in charge of the Broncos early next month.

Mam is a major part of Maguire’s plans after signing a five-year contract extension keeping him at Red Hill until 2029.

Originally published as NRL, 2024: Ezra Mam, Broncos half, under NRL investigation after Brisbane car crash