Sad news Reece Walsh precedent as Ezra Mam has extra suspension lead more

Sad news Reece Walsh precedent as Ezra Mam has extra suspension lead more

In a recent development, the National Rugby League (NRL) has ruled that Brisbane Broncos’ five-eighth, Ezra Mam, cannot count the upcoming Indigenous All Stars game towards his nine-match suspension. This decision effectively extends his ban to ten games, delaying his return to the field until at least Round 10 of the 2025 season. ([zerotackle.com](https://www.zerotackle.com/ezra-mams-nrl-suspension-extended-218577/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

Mam’s suspension stems from an October 2024 incident in Brisbane, where he was involved in a head-on collision while driving with a suspended license and under the influence of cocaine. Following the crash, Mam pleaded guilty to charges of driving without a license and with drugs present in his blood. He was fined $850 and disqualified from driving for six months, with no conviction recorded. ([couriermail.com.au](https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/ezra-mam-in-court-to-face-drugdriving-charge-over-bardon-crash/news-story/0eda13f4282e1df8e86fb8e5d2ed33ef?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

In addition to the legal penalties, the NRL imposed a nine-game suspension and a $30,000 fine on Mam for bringing the game into disrepute. The Brisbane Broncos further fined him $90,000 and mandated his participation in a “Safer Driving Training Program,” ongoing work or study placements, and a comprehensive wellbeing support program. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezra_Mam?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

The NRL’s decision not to include the Indigenous All Stars game in Mam’s suspension has raised questions, particularly in light of a precedent involving Broncos fullback Reece Walsh. In 2022, while playing for the New Zealand Warriors, Walsh was suspended for a drug-related offense, and the All Stars game was counted as part of his suspension. ([theaustralian.com.au](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/brisbane-broncos-fiveeighth-ezra-mam-wont-be-allowed-to-play-in-all-stars-fixture-due-to-drug-driving-suspension/news-story/3b8de5454d68108bc95963417ea4bc18?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

This apparent inconsistency has led to criticism from various quarters. Veteran NRL reporter Phil Rothfield described the punishment as “piss weak,” suggesting that Mam should have faced a more severe penalty, such as a 12-month deregistration. He also criticized the Broncos for releasing their statement on Mam’s sanctions late on a Friday evening between Christmas and New Year, a time when media scrutiny is typically lower. ([au.news.yahoo.com](https://au.news.yahoo.com/brisbane-broncos-in-eye-opening-response-to-ezra-mam-saga-after-uproar-over-stars-nrl-ban-224244756.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

The NRL’s stance on whether representative fixtures like the All Stars game should count towards suspensions has been a topic of debate. In Mam’s case, the league determined that the All Stars game would not be included in his suspension, thereby extending his time away from the sport. This decision underscores the NRL’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring that disciplinary actions are appropriately enforced.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire has acknowledged Mam’s efforts to take responsibility and learn from his mistakes. He emphasized the importance of supporting the young player through this challenging period, stating, “I have spoken to him quite a bit.” ([zerotackle.com](https://www.zerotackle.com/ezra-mams-nrl-suspension-extended-218577/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))

As Mam continues his rehabilitation and fulfills the conditions set by both the NRL and the Broncos, the situation highlights the broader challenges the league faces in ensuring consistent and fair disciplinary measures. The differing treatments of similar cases, such as those of Mam and Walsh, have sparked discussions about the need for clearer guidelines regarding the inclusion of representative games in suspension calculations.

In conclusion, the NRL’s decision to exclude the Indigenous All Stars game from Ezra Mam’s suspension has effectively extended his ban, delaying his return to the field. This move, contrasted with previous cases, has ignited debate over the league’s disciplinary processes and the consistency of its rulings.

– [couriermail.com.au](https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/ezra-mam-timeline-of-events-since-2023-nrl-grand-final-hattrick/news-story/19f22a0131a5dd347dd10c0348feadcc?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– [news.com.au](https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/hang-head-in-shame-outrage-over-broncos-guns-punishment/news-story/df0a3469aed8bcf35964942d2a192baf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– [couriermail.com.au](https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/ezra-mam-in-court-to-face-drugdriving-charge-over-bardon-crash/news-story/0eda13f4282e1df8e86fb8e5d2ed33ef?utm_source=chatgpt.com)