Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam breaks silence after police charge
Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam has spoken out for the first time since he was charged by Queensland Police over a drug driving incident.
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Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam has spoken out for the first time since his car-crash incident on October 18.
The 21-year-old five-eighth was charged by Queensland Police on Wednesday with one count each of driving while relevant drug is present in blood and drive motor vehicle without a driver licence.
He was issued with a notice to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on December 16.
In the wake of the incident, Mam admitted himself into rehab where he is expected to be released next week.
The Broncos star says the incident has served as a wake-up call and vowed to be a better role model going forward as he broke his silence in an interview with Code Sports.
“I understand the seriousness of the situation,” Mam said.
“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.”
Broncos coach Michael Maguire has been in regular contact with Mam since the incident and hopes the league don’t sack the young 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.”
The two-vehicle crash took place in Bardon, in West Brisbane at around 5:20pm on Friday, October 18.
Police will allege Mam was driving a Ford Ranger utility northeast along Simpsons Rd when his ute struck a Toyota Camry, travelling in the opposite direction, near the intersection of The Drive.
Mam allegedly failed a roadside drug test when spoken to by police.
“He was detained for further testing requiring bloods to be taken at hospital which was conducted independently of the QPS,” Queensland Police said in a statement.
Police will further allege the secondary test returned a positive result on November 12.
He has also been issued with a traffic infringement notice for fail to maintain control of vehicle.
Broncos chief executive Dave Donaghy said the club was told on Wednesday after police laid the charges against its player which could prevent him from returning to the playing field until midway through the 2025 season.
“We will respect the legal process and will continue to work with the NRL Integrity Unit on next steps, as this matter moves forward,” Mr Donaghy said in a statement.
“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.”
- with NewsWire
Originally published as Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam breaks silence after police charge
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