NRL information 2025 | When is Ezra Mam again for the Broncos?; Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston feedback; Michael Maguire press convention

Cameron Smith has known as for Michael Maguire to not put Ezra Mam straight again into the Broncos facet regardless of his suspension now being completed.

Mam’s return presents a dilemma for Maguire, with Ben Hunt, Billy Walters and Cory Paix all preventing for positions within the Brisbane backbone.

The expectation is Mam will play five-eighth with Hunt shifting to hooker.

Many assume Mam will return by way of reserve grade however a thumping by the hands of Penrith on Sunday may have Maguire rethinking that plan.

Johnathan Thurston described it as a “huge choice” for the coach earlier than agreeing Reynolds, Mam and Hunt can be his backbone.

“We have seen what Benny Hunt’s been in a position to do at No.9 at Origin degree and I believe they might complement one another very well with that backbone,” he mentioned on 9’s protection.

Smith wasn’t as satisfied, suggesting Mam must head again to QLD Cup to achieve match health.

“I am a little bit bit against that,” he mentioned of Mam’s speedy return.

“I really feel like Ezra can be a little bit bit wanting a run. It is a huge ask … to throw him straight again into the NRL in spherical 10 the place all of the gamers taking part in now since spherical one, they’re match hardened, that is as match as you may be for the whole season.

“I might in all probability give him every week or possibly two to get his timing proper, get his confidence again after which throw him within the crew. There’s not a shadow of a doubt he is of their greatest 17.”

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The necessity for Mam comes after an inconsistent begin to the season for the Broncos.

Defeat to the Panthers at Magic Spherical got here after a sensible win over the Bulldogs the week earlier than.

Put up-match, Maguire confirmed Mam is “able to play”.

“He is labored actually arduous within the background and I suppose till you are really taking part in video games you may’t qualify in that however he is completed every thing he probably can to provide himself the chance to return into choice,” he mentioned.

“I speak to my leaders on a regular basis about how the crew seems and what we’re doing and shifting in direction of.”

The Broncos face South Sydney in spherical 10.