Two years ago Ezra Mam was a dancer at an NRL game – now only a miracle has stopped him from being the man who won the premiership for Brisbane

Just two years ago, Broncos star Ezra Mam was dancing at half-time during an NRL match – on Sunday night he put on a masterclass in the Grand Final to help his side win in no time.

The Penrith Panthers completed one of the greatest comebacks in NRL history by winning the grand final after overturning a 16-point deficit in Sydney.

The reigning premiers looked dead and buried after a thrilling Mam hat-trick but fought back superbly to break Brisbane hearts at Accor Stadium.

Weeks ago, Mom rose from obscurity to take home the Dally M five-eighths of the year award, and tonight the 20-year-old native star almost had a fairytale ending to the season – but it wasn’t to be.

Mom’s meteoric rise to stardom has been nothing short of brilliant over the past two years.

The Panthers pulled off one of the greatest comebacks of all time in the grand final to take the win

In 2021, he was a complete unknown, performing at Suncorp Stadium during a Storm-Broncos match as part of an indigenous dance group founded by his grandparents.

Just a year later he was playing at Suncorp Stadium for the Broncos against the Titans, and people really started to take notice.

Mum’s partnership with Reynolds has been excellent this season, and the youngster is particularly proud of the way he has developed physically from 79kg to 87kg.

“I focused on defense, put some weight on and let Tommy Flegler and Corey Jensen run at me and harass me a little bit,” he told the Herald.

“I definitely didn’t want Payne (Haas) to run at me.”

Reynolds has also noted his dedication to improving his game more broadly.

“We all know what an offensive threat he is, but this year his defense has gone to another level. He’s not afraid to put his body in front of big guys and give them a good pounding,” Reynolds said.

Mom also enjoys his role as a Broncos Indigenous ambassador for the Deadly Choices program.

Mom was a complete unknown a few years ago and is now a bona fide star

The Indigenous phenom is enjoying his role as a Broncos Indigenous ambassador for the Deadly Choices program

“That native side of me is quite special,” Mom said News Corp.

‘Growing up with my grandparents, they were very culturally strong and the family is still very culturally oriented.

“When we lost them, it was heartbreaking for me. My grandparents largely raised me. They were the ones who did everything for me and my brother and sister.

‘Representing my people means a lot to me.

“It was pretty cool to be part of the Suncorp dance group. I remember seeing the Broncos and Storm boys running away. I had to dance before the game in the hope that one day I would be good enough to play for the Broncos at Suncorp.

‘Now I’m lucky to be here, it’s very special.’