Brisbane coach Kevin Walters confirms Ezra Mam’s readiness to face South Sydney, with the team’s welfare officers providing support to the prominent five-eighth.
Mam is set to return to NRL action at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night, marking his first game since Sydney Roosters prop Spencer Leniu racially abused him, referring to him as a monkey during the round-one clash in Las Vegas.
Leniu received an eight-match suspension from the NRL judiciary on Monday night as a consequence of his actions.
The Broncos acknowledge the emotional impact of the incident and subsequent media coverage, particularly on the young Indigenous player, who is only 21 years old.
Therefore, ensuring he has reliable support is of utmost importance.
The team has enlisted the assistance of two seasoned welfare officers, Adam Walsh and Steve Parle, who have been instrumental in supporting Mam during challenging periods and will persist in doing so.
Walsh oversees the senior squad, whereas Parle provides assistance to the academy players.
Brisbane coach Kevin Walters affirms that Ezra Mam is prepared to take on South Sydney, with the club’s welfare officers providing strong support for the talented five-eighth.
Set to return to NRL action at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night, Mam will be playing his first game since being subjected to racial abuse by Sydney Roosters prop Spencer Leniu during the round-one clash in Las Vegas. Leniu was subsequently handed an eight-match suspension by the NRL judiciary on Monday night.
The Broncos are well aware of the lasting impact of the incident and subsequent media coverage on the Indigenous star, who is just 21 years old. Consequently, ensuring he has the necessary support around him is a top priority.
Adam Walsh and Steve Parle, two seasoned welfare officers, have been pivotal in supporting Mam through tough times and will continue to do so. Walsh oversees the senior squad, while Parle assists the academy players.
Parle has had a longstanding relationship with Mam since he was 14 years old. In fact, when Mam purchased a house in Ipswich several years ago, Parle installed an irrigation system for him. Even while Mam was in Las Vegas, he reached out to Parle for assistance when lawn grubs attacked his garden, prompting Parle to promptly intervene and spray them.
These strong bonds of support will undoubtedly be a source of strength for Mam.
Walters refrained from commenting on the judiciary’s decision regarding Leniu’s penalty when asked, stating that he would defer to the NRL and relevant authorities.
However, he did confirm that Mam is fit to play against the Rabbitohs on Thursday. “He’s been fine, he’s been good. He is ready to go,” Walters affirmed, noting that the entire squad is unified in their focus on the upcoming game.
“We put it to bed last week when it was handed over to the NRL. Our focus in the last three or four days has been on the game tomorrow night, which is really important to us as a club. We have to get our focus on that,” Walters concluded.
Broncos assistant coach Matt Ballin mentioned that Mam remains focused on his responsibilities.
“He’s a young man full of energy and charisma, and he’s been a fantastic presence around the club,” Ballin stated.
“He diligently goes through defensive reviews with me and offensive strategies with assistant coach Lee Briers. We haven’t really observed any significant changes in his demeanor. Despite facing some challenges, he shows remarkable resilience.
“Mam’s vibrant personality injects a lot of positivity and energy into our club. That’s why he’s valued and loved by players, staff, and everyone at the club.”
Club legend Steve Renouf, an ambassador for the Deadly Choices organization, which advocates for healthy lifestyles in Indigenous communities, emphasized the importance of support for Mam during the launch of the Deadly Choices partnership with the Broncos on Monday.
“The Broncos understand the necessity of providing support for Ezra at this time,” Renouf noted. “Their welfare officers can continue to engage with him and offer support, especially considering the various opinions circulating in the public domain.
“I’ve reached out to Ezra to let him know I’m here for him.”
During challenging periods, I relied on the support of (former Broncos coach) Wayne Bennett, and he consistently stood by me. Recently, I had a conversation with Wayne about current events, and once again, he offered his support. I continue to seek guidance from Wayne.