Brisbane great Sam Thaiday says he’s concerned for Ezra Mam’s welfare after the young star checked himself into a rehab clinic on Monday.
The 21-year-old’s four-year contract with the Broncos is at risk after reports the five-eighth was alleged to be driving unlicensed and failed a roadside drug test.
9News Queensland on Monday reported a young girl suffered a hip injury and her mother suffered seatbelt burns in the crash.
THE MOLE: Bargain buy leads NRL’s most improved of 2024
READ MORE: Superstar jockey suffers nasty fall from Cox Plate hopeful
READ MORE: Smith says teammates ‘hated’ his batting switch
Mam has not been charged by police, who are awaiting the results of a secondary test using blood samples.
Mam’s management confirmed he had voluntarily entered a professional rehabilitation facility on Monday.
“Ezra is extremely remorseful,” the statement released by his management began.
Ezra Mam’s future at the Broncos remains unknown. AP
“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.”
Thaiday says he’s close friends with Mam and revealed he is worried about the youngster’s welfare.
“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 Nine’s Today.
“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.
“I would hate to see another good friend and football player go down the path of suicide.”
The Mam situation is the first major test of new coach Michael Maguire’s leadership.
Thaiday admits Maguire has a significant job ahead of him at Red Hill.
“I think he’s coming into a system where he will have to make a lot of changes. Changes on the field but off the field as well,” Thaiday said.
“He’s going to have to come in and set some standards now. It’s a tough decision for him to make as well, he doesn’t want to be on the back foot looking for another half at this point in the season.
“I hope he gives Ezra as much time as possible to go through the rehab process, get himself right.”
Speaking on 4BC radio, Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy could not guarantee what Mam’s future at the club would look like.
Sam Thaiday. AAP
The Broncos star signed a lucrative five-year deal in February following a standout season.
″We haven’t had a discussion internally in depth, but we don’t have the full facts,” Donaghy said.
“It would be remiss of me to jump too far ahead.
“There is obviously a process to go through with police and the matters referred to, but when the full facts are known and the emotion gets taken out of it … He is a genuinely decent young man who appears to have lost his way of late, so that can be the traps of this industry.
“Speaking to Ezra, he has apologised for putting the club in this position and certainly his concern is for the others involved in this accident.”
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000