Broncos Coach Michael Maguire Opens Up on Ezra Mam's Drug-Driving Ordeal
Brisbane Broncos head coach Michael Maguire has publicly detailed his handling of the delicate situation involving star half Ezra Mam, following a drug-driving incident that occurred early last year. The 2025 premiership-winning coach, who joined the Broncos at the start of the season after leading the NSW Blues to State of Origin success, faced an immediate challenge in managing the fallout from Mam's actions.
A Personal Connection and Early Conversations
Maguire explained that his first test was to control the already inflamed situation Mam found himself in after a drunk-driving incident where he nearly killed a mother and daughter. 'I think we had a couple of conversations around his early days, and I was very fortunate that I met Ezra probably six years prior,' Maguire told Karl Stefanovic. 'I tried to sign him at a previous club that I was at. I got to know Ezra, and I got to know his mum and the family and how they are as people, and that's what I always went back to.'
The two-time NRL premiership winner emphasised his long-standing connection with Mam, which helped guide their discussions during this turbulent period. Brisbane's five-eighth returned after a long layoff in 2025, with Maguire noting his impressed reaction to how Mam took accountability.
Accountability and Recovery Efforts
'The way I saw Ezra own what he'd been through,' Maguire added. 'He obviously got himself some help, and he then went to work for 10 weeks straight.' Mam was charged with drug driving and faced significant consequences, including $120,000 in fines from both the Broncos and the NRL. This followed a car crash into an Uber in October 2024, which heightened public scrutiny.
After a nine-week layoff, Mam returned to the squad and performed strongly in several matches. He then played a crucial role in the side's finals charge, making an important contribution in the grand final victory against the Melbourne Storm. Maguire, who coached the Broncos to their first premiership since 2006, highlighted Mam's key role off the bench in the decider.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Polarisation
Despite his on-field success, Mam remains one of the most polarising players in the NRL due to his actions. During last year's decider, he was booed by spectators and received a negative reception when walking onto the podium to accept his premiership ring. This mixed response underscores the lingering impact of his off-field behaviour.
Looking ahead, the Broncos coach will hope to lead his side to back-to-back premierships this year. Brisbane opens their season against the Penrith Panthers, who will be out for revenge following their preliminary final defeat at the hands of the premiers in 2025. The matchup adds another layer of intensity to Mam's ongoing journey of redemption and performance under Maguire's guidance.
