Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam breaks silence after being charged over drug driving scandal, could miss first 12 rounds of 2025

In his first interview since the car crash that placed his $4m Broncos contract in jeopardy, a shattered Ezra Mam has expressed his remorse and vowed to take responsibility for his actions.

Ezra Mam. Picture David Clark

Shattered Broncos star Ezra Mam has broken his silence on his car-crash scandal, vowing to take responsibility for his actions as he prepares to rebuild his reputation and NRL career.

In his first interview since the incident that placed his $4 million Broncos contract in jeopardy, Mam has told of his remorse and pledged to co-operate with authorities ahead of his day in court.

Brisbane’s premiership hopes have suffered a blow with classy five-eighth Mam set to be sidelined until at least May after being formally charged by police for drug driving on Wednesday.

Mam has been issued with a notice to appear in court on two charges stemming from a head-on car crash in Brisbane on October 18.

Police will allege Mam returned a positive result to a prohibited drug from a secondary blood test after failing an initial roadside test.

He has been charged with driving while a relevant drug is present in blood and driving unlicensed.

Ezra Mam has broken his silence after being issues with a notice to appear in court. Picture: NRL Images

Mam will face court in Brisbane on December 16 and has also been issued a traffic infringement notice for failing to maintain control of a vehicle.

The 21-year-old checked into rehab in the wake of the road accident and says the traumatic incident is a wake-up call as he vowed to be a better role model following one of the toughest periods of his life.

“I understand the seriousness of the situation,” said Mam after being formally charged by Queensland police.

“I understand the importance in myself standing up to take responsibility for my actions.

“I will co-operate with the legal process to come.

“I also understand my responsibilities as a role model in the community and I’m prepared to work hard to live up to those expectations going forward. “

Ezra Mam has expressed his remorse over his actions. Picture: Scott Davis/NRL Imagery.

It is understood Mam’s month-long stint in rehab is coming to an end, with the Ipswich product expected to check out early next week, having sought professional help following the incident.

The Broncos and the NRL fraternity were plunged into shock last month when footage emerged of Mam’s car veering onto the wrong side of the road and colliding head-on with an Uber driver.

A mother and her four-year old daughter were passengers in the Uber vehicle, with the young girl reported to have suffered a fractured hip.

Mam has had his phone in rehab. He has been in contact with Broncos coach Michael Maguire, close friends and family members and has been deeply rattled by the accident, personally apologising to his victims.

Mam’s manager Nash Dawson said the Broncos pivot doesn’t expect sympathy and hopes the Uber driver, the mother and the young girl have made a full recovery.

“I can confirm that everyday Ezra has inquired about the wellbeing of all parties involved,” Dawson said.

“He understands the magnitude of the situation and has expressed he does not want to shy away from what has happened.

“Instead he wants to stand up and take accountability when he’s able.”

Captain and halfback Adam Reynolds will officially report for training on Thursday after his American vacation, but there will be no sight of his 2023 grand-final halves partner Mam at Red Hill.

Even when Mam leaves rehab, the Indigenous playmaker faces an ongoing off-field battle involving legal matters and concurrent Queensland Police, Broncos and NRL investigations that could cost him in excess of $500,000.

Maguire has been in regular contact with the Queensland Origin hopeful. The Broncos coach is mindful of Mam’s mental well-being and he may not be seen at Broncos training until after Christmas as the club assists the Indigenous ace in his off-field drama.

Broncos boss Dave Donaghy said Mam is not yet out of the woods with League Central, with the NRL integrity unit expected to hand down their own punishment next month.

“We will respect the legal process and will continue to work with the NRL Integrity Unit on next steps, as this matter moves forward,” Donaghy said.

“Ezra is currently seeking external support and we will give him the time and space to do so.

“As the matter is now before the courts, we are unable to make further comment on this matter.”

Mam’s pre-season will almost certainly be put on ice until January, 2025 and the Broncos are bracing for the five-eighth to be hit with a two or three-month suspension by the NRL integrity unit.

Michael Maguire says the club will stand behind Mam. Picture: Nigel Hallett

That would sideline Mam from premiership action for the opening 8 to 12 rounds of the 2025 premiership, meaning Reynolds’ scrumbase cohort may not wear the Brisbane No.6 jumper until May or June.

Maguire remains hopeful Mam will not be sacked by the NRL, but confirmed the club’s 2022 rookie of the year may not be seen at training until the New Year.

“Potentially yes that’s right,” Maguire said.

“As a club, we will talk to Ezra, his manager and the NRL about how that will progress.

“Those are the discussions I need to have with Ezra.”

Mam has been in contact with close friends and family members and is said to have been rattled by the affair, with the playmaker expressing his remorse over the crash, which included a four-year-old girl.

There was a push for Brisbane to tear up Mam’s five-year, $4 million contract, but Maguire believes the incident has been a chilling wake-up call for the rising star.

“I’ve had some contact with him while he has been in there (rehab),” Maguire said.

“The reason you go to rehab - you go in there to bring change to your life and understand yourself and know how grateful we are for the things we have.

“In terms of the culture of the Broncos and who we are as a club, that’s what I hold as sacred, so they are the things I need to sort out with Ezra.

“Sometimes people lose their way, but you can find your way again and that’s our plan for Ezra to get back to his best.

“I believe Ezra has to own where he is at and I believe he will.

“He is in a very serious situation and he needs to work hard to turn things around.”

Originally published as Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam breaks silence after being charged over drug driving scandal, could miss first 12 rounds of 2025