- Sam Thaiday concerned about Brisbane star Ezra Mam’s well-being
- He says he doesn’t want to lose another friend to a tragedy.
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Brisbane Broncos legend Sam Thaiday has raised serious concerns for Ezra Mam’s welfare after the troubled young star checked into a rehabilitation clinic earlier this week.
The 21-year-old is currently awaiting the results of a secondary test after he reportedly 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 Integrity Unit are now investigating the incident, with the star five-eighths contract with the Broncos in jeopardy.
Mam, who closed his Instagram page, entered a rehabilitation center on Monday, leaving Thaiday worried the playmaker could take his own life.
“I’m so glad he’s seeking help right now, because first and foremost I hope to see Ezra recover 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 well-being.
‘I lost a player and a good mate of mine in 2007 because of the pressures of rugby league and what it does, the ups and downs it brings.
Football great Sam Thaiday is gravely concerned about the well-being 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, and Souths star Kyle Turner took his own life almost exactly a year later in 2023.
Mam’s management issued a statement saying: ‘Ezra is extremely sorry.
‘He is concerned, first and foremost, for the other parties involved and understands the enormity of the current situation.
‘He recognizes that he is facing some personal challenges and, following these recent events, has taken a proactive step by seeking immediate professional treatment.
“We will continue to support you throughout this process and will not be commenting further at this time.”
Mum (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 on Friday.
Queensland Police and the NRL Integrity Unit are investigating the alleged incident involving the Broncos’ star playmaker, whose car (right) is pictured just after the crash.
Mam (pictured left with Broncos teammate Reece Walsh) checked into a rehab facility following the scandal.
The mother involved in the car accident, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told Channel Nine: “I remember looking up and ahead I could see a car turning in front of us… I knew what was going to happen.” . .
“I can’t rest because the only thing I can see when I close my eyes is that vehicle.”
He went on to say that his daughter, who was also in the car, was taken to the hospital and both suffered burns from the seat belt.
It comes after Brisbane chief executive Dave Donaghy said the Broncos are “disappointed” by the situation and did not rule out breaking the star’s contract.
“In my conversation with Ezra, he apologized for putting the club in this position, and certainly his concern has been for the others who were involved in the accident,” Donaghy said.
“He’s a young man, he’s 21 years 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 young star and fullback Reece Walsh being investigated by the NRL following an altercation with fans in Bali while on holiday.
