Broncos star allegedly driving unlicensed during crash in Brisbane

The NRL integrity unit and Brisbane Broncos are awaiting the results of a drug test after Ezra Mam was involved in a head-on crash while allegedly driving unlicensed in Brisbane’s west on Friday afternoon.

Mam was taken to hospital after a Ford Ranger he was travelling in struck a Toyota Camry being used as an Uber carrying three people, including a young girl, just after 5pm.

Police said no one was seriously injured in the crash. Credit: Nine News

Mam allegedly returned a positive result to a roadside drug test, but police were yet to officially confirm the results of a second test using blood samples. The results could take days or even weeks to return.

Mam did not have any alcohol in his system. The 21-year-old had scans on his head in hospital after suffering a bump in the accident, but was later released and the injury is not believed to be serious.

Injuries to the occupants of the other car are also said to be not serious.

“The man was subject to a roadside drug test where he allegedly returned a positive result,” Queensland Police said in a statement.

“...The testing is conducted independently of the QPS. The QPS cannot comment further whilst we await results.

“It will be alleged the 21-year-old man was unlicensed at the time of the incident.”

The Broncos informed the NRL late on Friday. Brisbane chief executive Dave Donaghy was made aware of the incident before he returned home from a holiday in Japan.

Ezra Mam was drug-tested and taken to hospital after a head-on crash in Bardon on Friday.Credit: Getty Images

Incoming coach Michael Maguire, who will officially start in the top job on Wednesday, was also being updated by the club. The Broncos will only comment if police charges are laid against Mam.

Mam had spoken with at least one high-ranking club official on Saturday.

The accident caps a rollercoaster year for the five-eighth, who was called a “monkey” by Sydney Roosters prop Spencer Leniu during the opening round of the season in Las Vegas.

The 21-year-old then made headlines this month when he and Broncos teammate Reece Walsh were holidaying in Bali and a person complained to the NRL about a damaged phone. It was reported at the time the phone was later replaced.

Canterbury’s Josh Addo-Carr and Cronulla’s Braydon Trindall both failed roadside drug tests this season.

The NRL hit Addo-Carr with a fine and a suspension, understood to be four weeks.

Should police confirm a positive for Mam, he can expect a much heftier suspension – potentially as much as eight to 12 weeks – because other people were involved in the accident.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said professional athletes were role models for many in the community.

“We rightly hold them to a higher standard,” he said. “We rightly expect them not to break the law and not to do dangerous things like drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“So if those reports are proven to be true, I’d be very concerned.”

Police said no charges had been laid.

With AAP

The Pacific Championships is Live and free on Channel 9 & 9Now.