Cameron Smith has known as for Michael Maguire to not put Ezra Mam straight again into the Broncos aspect regardless of his suspension now being completed.
Mam’s return presents a dilemma for Maguire, with Ben Hunt, Billy Walters and Cory Paix all combating for positions within the Brisbane backbone.
The expectation is Mam will play five-eighth with Hunt shifting to hooker.
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Many assume Mam will return through reserve grade however a thumping by the hands of Penrith on Sunday could have Maguire rethinking that plan.
Johnathan Thurston described it as a “huge resolution” for the coach earlier than agreeing Reynolds, Mam and Hunt could be his backbone.
Broncos star Ezra Mam. Getty
“We have seen what Benny Hunt’s been in a position to do at No.9 at Origin degree and I believe they’d complement one another rather well with that backbone,” he mentioned on 9’s protection.
Smith wasn’t as satisfied, suggesting Mam should head again to QLD Cup to achieve match health.
“I am just a little bit against that,” he mentioned of Mam’s speedy return.
“I really feel like Ezra could be just a little 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 enjoying now since spherical one, they’re match hardened, that is as match as you may be for your entire 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 staff. 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 good 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 assume till you are really enjoying video games you may’t qualify in that however he is accomplished every little thing he presumably can to offer himself the chance to come back into choice,” he mentioned.
“I discuss to my leaders on a regular basis about how the staff seems and what we’re doing and shifting in direction of.”
The Broncos face South Sydney in spherical 10.