Three month detail emerges in Ezra Mam saga as top lawyer slaps down 'inappropriate' theory

Top lawyer Lee Hagipantelis has explained why there's been such a lengthy delay in the Ezra Mam saga, revealing it can take up to three months for the results a secondary drug test to come back. Frustrated NRL fans have been questioning why the police haven't charged the Brisbane Broncos five-eighth after he was involved in a traffic collision last month that left a four-year-old girl with a fractured hip.

Mam allegedly returned a positive roadside drug test and was allegedly unlicensed at the time, and is awaiting news about a secondary drug test conducted by Queensland Police. But it's been weeks since the incident occurred and we're still none the wiser.

The NRL and Brisbane Broncos are both waiting on the secondary test before deciding how to proceed, although it's believed they're leaning towards giving him a second chance and not ripping up his $4 million contract. The 21-year-old is likely facing a big suspension that could be as long as 12 months, although that won't even be known until any legal proceedings are finalised.

Ezra Mam result could take up to three months

Speaking on SEN radio on Tuesday morning, lawyer and former Wests Tigers chairman Hagipantelis explained the delay and said it was quite normal. "It's not unusual but it is unfortunate," he told Andrew Voss and Greg Alexander. "It can take many, many weeks - up to three months or so."

In contrast, Josh Addo-Carr's secondary drug test came back relatively quickly, and the Bulldogs later decided to sack him from the NRL club. Alexander asked Hagipantelis if there was any truth to suggestions that an individual can make a payment to get the results back sooner. But Hagipantelis revealed that never happens and would be "inappropriate" and "improper".

NRL might not have power to stand Ezra Mam down

Some have suggested that Mam could be stood down by the NRL under the league's 'no fault stand-down' policy until the matter is finalised legally, but according to Hagipantelis that might be tricky. The policy only covers criminal acts that carry a minimum of 11 years in prison, and as Hagipantelis pointed out, Mam would only likely be facing five years in prison or a $50,000 fine under Queensland law - at a maximum - if found guilty.

However the policy does give the NRL discretion to bend that rule if the criminal act involves women or children. Hagipantelis admitted he wasn't sure if the NRL would take that route given the four-year-old who was injured.

"The Broncos and the NRL are sitting back and watching very carefully," Hagipantelis said. "If Mam pleads guilty or is found guilty they will intervene, otherwise they'll just sit back and watch the criminal proceedings - if there are any."

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Interestingly, Hagipantelis also pointed out that no details have been revealed about the crash itself or whether Mam was actually at fault. The fact he was allegedly under the influence of drugs and unlicensed doesn't bode well, but the actual details about the crash itself and who caused it haven't been made public.

Mam checked himself into a rehab clinic in the aftermath, which reportedly cost him $100,000. It's believed he could be facing a further $500,000 bill in damages if he's found guilty. Whether or not the case goes to court remains to be seen.