Ezra Mam, a 22-year-old Brisbane playmaker, made his long-anticipated return to the field on Sunday, playing for Souths-Logan in the Queensland Cup. This game was his first return after a nine-week ban imposed by the NRL. The suspension stemmed from an encounter for unlicensed driving which escalated to a drug arrest. Throughout the match-up, he was under fire once more. This time, he received a warning for a shoulder charge on Western Clydesdales prop Lachlan Mears-Crabbe.
Mam’s return is timely for Souths-Logan, who have faltered with just one win from their past five matches. For all the team’s struggles, Mam’s emergence was important, as he was able to play alongside Saville teammate and experienced opposite Anthony Milford. Mam had a difficult experience performing that day. He did appear rusty as he sought to get back into the groove of competitive play.
In her opening challenge of the game, Mam went in like a battering ram. He immediately coughs up the ball, an indication that he’ll need to make some changes post-break. Nevertheless, he demonstrated his capability by scoring a first-half try with a characteristic scything run that showcased his speed and agility. Though the play itself was simple, this moment gave a clear picture of the unique potential he adds with his dual-threat ability.
Mam’s journey back to the field comes after a tumultuous chapter in his life. On October 18 of last year, he was involved in a head-on collision, which led to legal troubles. Related: He admitted for the first time drug and drink-driving unlicensed – BBC News. Or perhaps it was the NRL’s suspension of Mam that lit a fire under him. He was already a highly regarded prospect, having won Queensland Cup rookie of the year in 2021, making his mark with two separate hat-tricks that season.
The clash with the Western Clydesdales was Mam’s 19th Cup appearance for the Souths-Logan club. Though he was electric at times, the rust was evident as he experienced the difficulty of coming back from any extended layoff. Mam is adjusting and getting back into form. In order to come out on top, he’ll need the discipline to avoid pitfalls of all sorts on and off the field.
