- Sam Thaiday is worried for Brisbane star Ezra Mam’s welfare
- Says he doesn’t want to lose another friend to tragedy
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Brisbane Broncos legend Sam Thaiday has raised serious concerns for the welfare of Ezra Mam after the troubled young star checked himself into a rehab clinic earlier this week.
The 21-year-old is currently awaiting the results of a secondary test after he allegedly failed a roadside drug test following a head-on car crash on Friday.
Police will allege the 21-year-old was also driving the vehicle without a licence.
Queensland Police and the NRL ‘s Integrity Unit are now investigating the incident, with the star five-eighth’s contract with the Broncos in jeopardy.
Mam – who has shut down his Instagram page – entered a rehabilitation facility on Monday, leaving Thaiday worried the playmaker could take his own life.
‘I’m really glad he is seeking help at the moment, because first and foremost I’m looking to see Ezra bounce back from this,’ Thaiday told the Today show on Tuesday.
‘At the end of the day… my only concern is Ezra Mam right now and his welfare.
‘I lost a player and a good mate of mine in 2007 to the pressures of rugby league and what it does, the highs and lows of what it does bring.
Footy great Sam Thaiday is gravely concerned for the welfare of Broncos star Ezra Mam (pictured with the ball during a game this year)
Thaiday (pictured) says he doesn’t want to lose another friend to suicide
‘I would hate to see another good friend and football player go down the path of suicide.’
Rugby league great Paul Green tragically ended his own life in August 2022, with Souths star Kyle Turner taking his life almost exactly a year later in 2023.
Mam’s management released a statement reading: ‘Ezra is extremely remorseful.
‘He is concerned, first and foremost, for the other parties involved and understands the enormity of the current situation.
‘He acknowledges he’s facing some personal challenges and, following these recent events, has taken a proactive step by seeking immediate professional treatment.
‘We will continue to support him throughout this process and will not make any further comments at this time.’
Mam (pictured on the ground just after the collision) was allegedly behind the wheel of a ute that crashed into an Uber in the Brisbane suburb of Bardon in Brisbane on Friday
Queensland Police and the NRL Integrity Unit are investigating the alleged incident involving the star Broncos playmaker, whose car (right) is pictured just after the accident
Mam (pictured left with Broncos teammate Reece Walsh) has entered a rehabilitation centre following the scandal
The mother involved in the car accident, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, told Channel Nine: ‘I can remember looking up and straight ahead I could see a car veering in front of us… I knew what was going to happen.
‘I can’t rest because all I can see when I close my eyes is that vehicle.’
She went on to say that her daughter, who was also in the car, was taken to hospital with the pair suffering seatbelt burns.
It comes after Brisbane chief executive Dave Donaghy said the Broncos are ‘disappointed’ in the situation as he failed to rule out tearing up the star’s contract.
‘In my conversation with Ezra, he’s apologised for putting the club in this position, and certainly his concerns have been for the others that were involved in the accident,’ Donaghy said.
‘He’s a young man, he’s a 21-year-old – But unfortunately, in this industry, you need to grow up quickly – It’s a very privileged role.’
It is the second time Mam has been involved in an off-field incident this year with the young star and fullback Reece Walsh being investigated by the NRL following an altercation with fans in Bali while on holiday.
