- Sam Thaiday is concerned about the welfare of Brisbane star Ezra Mam
- Says he doesn’t want to lose another friend to tragedy
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Brisbane Broncos legend Sam Thaiday has raised serious concerns about Ezra Mam’s welfare after the troubled young star checked himself into rehab earlier this week.
The 21-year-old is currently awaiting the results of a secondary test after reportedly failing a roadside drug test following a head-on car crash on Friday.
The police assume that the 21-year-old also drove the car without a driver’s license.
Queensland Police and the NRL Integrity Unit are now investigating the incident, with the star five-eighth’s contract at the Broncos in jeopardy.
Mom – who has closed his Instagram page – entered a rehabilitation center on Monday, leaving Thaiday worried the playmaker could commit suicide.
“I’m very happy that he’s seeking help at this time because first and foremost I’m looking forward to seeing Ezra recover from this,” Thaiday told the Today show on Tuesday.
“Ultimately… my only concern right now is for Ezra Mam and his well-being.
“I lost a player and a good friend of mine in 2007 to the pressures of rugby league and what it does, the highs and lows of what it brings.
Footy great Sam Thaiday has serious concerns for the welfare of Broncos star Ezra Mam (pictured with the ball during a match this year)
Thaiday (pictured) says he doesn’t want to lose another friend to suicide
‘I would hate to see another good friend and footballer take the path of suicide.’
Rugby League great Paul Green tragically ended his own life in August 2022, with Souths star Kyle Turner taking his life almost exactly a year later in 2023.
Mom’s management released a statement saying, “Ezra is extremely remorseful.
“He is primarily concerned for the other parties involved and understands the enormity of the current situation.
“He recognizes that he is facing some personal challenges and has taken a proactive step in the wake of these recent events by seeking immediate professional treatment.
“We will continue to support him throughout this process and will make no further comment at this time.”
Mom (pictured on the ground just after impact) was reportedly 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 playmaker, whose car (right) is pictured moments after the crash
Mom (pictured left with Broncos teammate Reece Walsh) has entered a rehabilitation center following the scandal
The mother involved in the car crash, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told Channel Nine: ‘I remember looking up and straight ahead I saw a car turning in front of us… I knew what was going to happen. .
“I can’t rest because all I can see when I close my eyes is that vehicle.”
She further said her daughter, who was also in the car, was taken to hospital while the couple suffered seat belt burns.
It comes after Brisbane CEO Dave Donaghy said the Broncos are ‘disappointed’ with the situation as he could not rule out the star’s contract being terminated.
“In my conversation with Ezra he apologized for putting the club in this position and his concerns were certainly for the others involved in the accident,” Donaghy said.
‘He’s a young man, he’s 21 years old. But unfortunately in this industry you have to grow up quickly. It is a very privileged role.’
It is the second time this year that Mam has been involved in an off-field incident, with young star and fullback Reece Walsh being investigated by the NRL after an altercation with fans in Bali while on holiday.