Cameron Smith has called for Michael Maguire not to put Ezra Mam straight back into the Broncos side despite his suspension now being finished.
Mam’s return presents a dilemma for Maguire, with Ben Hunt, Billy Walters and Cory Paix all fighting for positions in the Brisbane spine.
The expectation is Mam will play five-eighth with Hunt shifting to hooker.
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Many think Mam will return via reserve grade but a thumping at the hands of Penrith on Sunday will have Maguire rethinking that plan.
Johnathan Thurston described it as a “big decision” for the coach before agreeing Reynolds, Mam and Hunt would be his spine.
Broncos star Ezra Mam. Getty
“We’ve seen what Benny Hunt’s been able to do at No.9 at Origin level and I think they would complement each other really well with that spine,” he said on Nine’s coverage.
Smith wasn’t as convinced, suggesting Mam will have to head back to QLD Cup to gain match fitness.
“I’m a little bit opposed to that,” he said of Mam’s immediate return.
“I feel like Ezra would be a little bit short of a run. It’s a big ask … to throw him straight back into the NRL in round 10 where all the players playing now since round one, they are match hardened, this is as fit as you’ll be for the entire season.
“I would probably give him a week or maybe two to get his timing right, get his confidence back and then throw him in the team. There’s not a shadow of a doubt he’s in their best 17.”
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The need for Mam comes after an inconsistent start to the season for the Broncos.
Defeat to the Panthers at Magic Round came after a brilliant win over the Bulldogs the week before.
Post-match, Maguire confirmed Mam is “ready to play”.
“He’s worked really hard in the background and I guess until you’re actually playing games you can’t qualify in that but he’s done everything he possibly can to give himself the opportunity to come into selection,” he said.
“I talk to my leaders all the time about how the team looks and what we’re doing and moving towards.”
The Broncos face South Sydney in round 10.
