Michael Maguire explains how he dealt with Ezra Mam’s criminal matters.

Michael Maguire explains how he dealt with Ezra Mam’s criminal matters

 

 

Brisbane Broncos head coach Michael Maguire has opened up about his approach to handling the off‑field legal troubles of star five‑eighth Ezra Mam, outlining why the club chose to support the young playmaker rather than sever ties following a high‑profile car crash and subsequent criminal charges.

 

The saga began in October last year when Mam was involved in a serious head‑on collision in Bardon, in Brisbane’s west, while allegedly driving under the influence of drugs and without a valid licence. Mam’s Ford Ranger collided with a Toyota Camry, injuring the driver, a woman and her four‑year‑old daughter. Police charged the 22‑year‑old with drug‑driving and unlicensed driving, and he later pleaded guilty in court, receiving a fine of $850 and a six‑month licence disqualification.

 

In the wake of the incident, Mam took full responsibility, publicly apologising to the victims, the Broncos, and the wider rugby league community. He also voluntarily entered a rehabilitation program and undertook counselling, steps that Maguire said were critical to the club’s decision‑making process.

 

Maguire, appointed Broncos coach shortly before the incident, faced calls from some commentators and fans to tear up Mam’s lucrative five‑year contract, reportedly worth about $4 million. However, the coach resisted that pressure. He said he had no regrets about giving Mam an opportunity to redeem himself, adding that his decision was informed by a long‑term view of Mam’s character and potential for growth both on and off the field.

 

“When I first walked in, I looked at the scenario,” Maguire told reporters. “I take people for who they are … Ezra has grown as a man and what I have seen him do around the place is the reason why I’m glad I kept him. He is really hungry to get out there and play with his teammates.”

 

Maguire revealed that he spoke with Mam and his family early on, examining how Mam ended up in the situation that led to his legal troubles. Part of the coach’s approach was to understand Mam’s broader environment and influences, including cultural factors within the club that may have contributed to the player’s off‑field behaviour.

 

The club also supported Mam by having him spend time away from professional football doing work on a building site and other activities designed to build perspective, according to reporting at the time. This “reality check” was part of the Broncos’ holistic response, blending accountability with support.

 

Despite some public criticism of the club’s handling of the matter and the perceived leniency of Mam’s legal consequences, the Broncos under Maguire’s leadership have stood by the young playmaker. Mam served a nine‑match NRL suspension for bringing the game into disrepute and faced further fines from both the league and club before making his competitive return in the Queensland Cup earlier this year.

 

Maguire’s stance reflects a broader philosophy that personal mistakes can be addressed with structured support rather than outright punishment — a strategy that has drawn both support and scrutiny across the rugby league landscape.