Cameron Smith has referred to as for Michael Maguire to not put Ezra Mam straight again into the Broncos aspect regardless of his suspension now being completed.
Mam’s return presents a dilemma for Maguire, with Ben Hunt, Billy Walters and Cory Paix all combating for positions within the Brisbane backbone.
The expectation is Mam will play five-eighth with Hunt shifting to hooker.
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Many suppose Mam will return by way of reserve grade however a thumping by the hands of Penrith on Sunday may have Maguire rethinking that plan.
Johnathan Thurston described it as a “massive determination” for the coach earlier than agreeing Reynolds, Mam and Hunt could be his backbone.
Broncos star Ezra Mam. Getty
“We have seen what Benny Hunt’s been capable of do at No.9 at Origin degree and I feel they’d complement one another very well with that backbone,” he mentioned on 9’s protection.
Smith wasn’t as satisfied, suggesting Mam must head again to QLD Cup to achieve match health.
“I am a bit bit against that,” he mentioned of Mam’s quick return.
“I really feel like Ezra could be a bit bit in need of a run. It is a massive ask … to throw him straight again into the NRL in spherical 10 the place all of the gamers enjoying now since spherical one, they’re match hardened, that is as match as you will be for the whole season.
“I might in all probability give him per week or possibly two to get his timing proper, get his confidence again after which throw him within the workforce. There’s not a shadow of a doubt he is of their finest 17.”
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The necessity for Mam comes after an inconsistent begin to the season for the Broncos.
Defeat to the Panthers at Magic Round got here after a brilliant win over the Bulldogs the week earlier than.
Submit-match, Maguire confirmed Mam is “able to play”.
“He is labored actually arduous within the background and I assume till you are really enjoying video games you possibly can’t qualify in that however he is completed the whole lot he probably can to offer himself the chance to come back into choice,” he mentioned.
“I discuss to my leaders on a regular basis about how the workforce seems to be and what we’re doing and transferring in the direction of.”
The Broncos face South Sydney in spherical 10.
