Ezra Mam has shared his thoughts on the car accident that resulted in injuries to a woman and a child, alongside his contentious selection for the Maroons.
Last October, Mam was driving his ute when it collided with an Uber vehicle in Bardon, just outside Brisbane’s CBD, leaving a woman and a child hurt.
While Mam passed a breathalyser test, a roadside drug test indicated the presence of cocaine in his system.
Appearing in the Brisbane Magistrates Court, Mam admitted guilt to the charges of driving with a relevant drug in his bloodstream and driving unlicensed. He received just a suspended licence and a fine of $850, and notably, no conviction was recorded against him.
Ezra Mam of the Maroons on the field during game two of the Men’s State of Origin series against New South Wales Blues at Optus Stadium on June 18, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) Getty
“Reflecting back, I didn’t fully comprehend how my choices could affect others,” Mam mentioned in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald.
“Naturally, I’m striving to learn from this experience, aiming to make wiser decisions moving forward.”
“There are no justifications for my actions; I must take responsibility for that now. I continue to learn to cope with all that has transpired. The remorse I feel is profound for everything that occurred.”
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“I dealt with my challenges inappropriately. It’s essential for me to learn and grow from them. Such experiences provide valuable lessons, and I believe I’ve gained significant insight from this situation to enhance various aspects of my life.”
The magistrate noted that “a mixture of cocaine and other substances were found in your bloodstream” post-accident. Mam accepted responsibility for his actions, but stated that aside from cocaine, the only drugs identified in his system were “paracetamol and ibuprofen,” administered at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
“I shouldn’t have driven … I had cocaine in my system at a level of 0.01mg in my blood, which was residual from days prior,” he clarified.
“That’s my greatest regret; I wish I hadn’t taken that step in the first place.”
“There are no excuses for my conduct; I need to accept responsibility for that now. I’m still navigating my way through everything.”
While the magistrate’s penalty was relatively mild, the Broncos and the NRL were far less forgiving. He received fines totalling $120,000 from both entities and an imposed nine-game suspension. Many critics believe the ban should have been extended up to a year.
After the incident, Mam returned to the field playing for Souths Logan in the QCup, while also working as a labourer, undertaking various tasks.
Ezra Mam addresses the media for the first time since the car accident. Nine
He made his return to the NRL playing for the Broncos against the Dragons in Round 11, and shortly after, he was selected for Billy Slater’s Maroons squad for Origin II.
Critics were again dissatisfied with his opportunity to compete at the highest level of the sport less than a year after the accident.
However, Mam is attempting to block out the external criticism, no matter its volume.
“I’m focusing on myself right now, aiming to better my own game,” he remarked to the Herald.
“I understand that some people may be frustrated. I can’t control how others feel; all I can do is work on rebuilding my integrity through my actions over time. If I get the chance to play, I will certainly take it.”
“I was genuinely surprised and thankful for the [Maroons] opportunity and seized it wholeheartedly.”
“When [Slater] gives you a call, it’s hard to turn down a chance to join the Origin squad; it’s always a yes. It was a rewarding experience for me.”
He is set to back up for the Broncos against the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium this Sunday afternoon.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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