Sam Thaiday opens up on Ezra Mam's 'personal challenges' as Broncos great makes Michael Maguire plea
Thaiday says he's seriously worried about Ezra Mam's mental health.
Broncos great Sam Thaiday says he is seriously worried about Ezra Mam's mental state after the young NRL star checked himself into a rehab clinic on Monday. The 21-year-old's NRL future is clouded in uncertainty after reports the five-eighth was involved in a head-on collision on Friday night.
Queensland Police allege that Mam was driving unlicensed when he was involved in a crash with an Uber driver. The Broncos star and the Uber driver fortunately escaped without serious injuries but the incident has plunged Mam's NRL future into doubt, given he was not only allegedly driving without a license but also allegedly failed an initial roadside drug test. Mam was ordered to undertake a second drug test using blood samples, with police indicating that it could take several weeks to learn the result of that test.
And on Monday, Mam's management confirmed he had voluntarily entered a professional rehabilitation facility to receive help with "some personal challenges". "Ezra is extremely remorseful," a statement released by Mam's management began.
"He acknowledges he's facing some personal challenges and, following these recent events, has taken a proactive step by seeking immediate professional treatment. We will continue to support him throughout this process and will not make any further comments at this time."
And Thaiday - who is close friends with Mam - says he is seriously concerned about the youngster's welfare and was relieved to learn he is seeking professional help. "I'm really glad he is seeking help at the moment because first and foremost I'm looking to see Ezra bounce back from this," Thaiday told Nine's Today on Tuesday.
"At the end of the day... my only concern is Ezra Mam right now and his welfare. I lost a player and a good mate of mine in 2007 to the pressures of rugby league and what it does, the highs and lows of what it does bring. I would hate to see another good friend and football player go down the path of suicide."
The Broncos great himself sought professional help towards the end of his career and has openly spoken out about his personal struggles as a teenager. The Kangaroos and Queensland great previously revealed he has used humour as a coping mechanism throughout his career to help mask inner feelings of depression.
"I hid behind humour and being the funny guy because there was a pain in there and that was my way of getting that pain out," Thaiday previously said in a 'We Are Human' podcast. The Broncos great also has opened up about how he struggled to find his own identity when he was younger, due to the fact he came from a mixed heritage background. And Thaiday knows as well as anyone the pressure to perform at Red Hill and believes now Mam is getting the help he needs he will come out not only a better man and player but with the tools to cope with all the pressure and stress that comes with being an NRL star.
Sam Thaiday urges Michael Maguire to be patient with Mam
The Mam situation marks the first major test of new coach Michael Maguire's leadership and has been pinned as somewhat of a defining moment in how he will set the tone at Red Hill. Speaking on 4BC radio on Monday Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy could not guarantee if Mam had a future at the club and said a decision won't be made until they have all the facts.
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And while Thaiday admits Maguire has a significant job ahead of him at the Broncos, believes he should give Mam the time to get himself right and urged him to not cut ties with the youngster. "I think he's (Maguire) coming into a system where he will have to make a lot of changes. Changes on the field but off the field as well," Thaiday said.
"He's going to have to come in and set some standards now. It's a tough decision for him to make as well (about Mam), he doesn't want to be on the back foot looking for another half at this point in the season. I hope he gives Ezra as much time as possible to go through the rehab process and get himself right."
Mental health support for yourself or a loved one can be found by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Online support is available via Beyond Blue.
