NRL: Ezra Mam heading to rehab after drug-induced car crash

Brisbane Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam will be undergoing “immediate professional treatment” after being involved in a car crash last week.

Mam had a head-on collision with an Uber while driving unlicensed last Friday afternoon and allegedly failed a roadside drug test in the aftermath.

“Ezra is extremely remorseful,” the player’s management said in a statement released on Monday night.

“He is concerned, first and foremost, for the other parties involved and understands the enormity of the current situation.”

Mam was taken to hospital for head scans following the incident, while the three Uber passengers only suffered minor injuries.

“He acknowledges he’s facing some personal challenges and, following these recent events, has taken a proactive step by seeking immediate professional treatment,” the statement continued.

“We will continue to support him throughout this process and will not make any further comments at this time.”

Mam’s contract with the Broncos — which is worth close to $1 million per year — is now in jeopardy.

Brisbane chief executive Dave Donaghy spoke on the matter on Monday, confirming he had been in contact with a remorseful Mam.

“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,” he 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.”

Donaghy did not reveal the club’s position on Mam’s future, however, holding his cards close to his chest.

“We haven’t had a discussion internally in depth,” he said.

“We want to ensure that we’ve got all the information so we can make the right decision for us.

“But certainly, from a club’s perspective, we’re very disappointed to find ourselves in a position like this.”

The Broncos boss also spoke at length about a broader overhaul of the club’s culture after finishing 12th in a season where Brisbane opened as title favourites with top NRL betting sites.

“We certainly are clear that we want our program to be performance-led,” Donaghy said.

“We don’t want it to be lifestyle-led, and we know that’s going to take a hell of a lot of hard work.”

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