Brisbane, QLD – May 12, 2025
Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire has responded strongly to claims from former NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler, who questioned the commitment and cohesion of the Broncos squad after a string of disappointing performances.
Fittler’s criticism came following Brisbane’s 28-14 loss to South Sydney, where despite dominating key attacking statistics — including nine linebreaks to the Rabbitohs’ three and 29 tackle busts to 19 — the Broncos failed to capitalize and were ultimately outclassed.
“This team isn’t falling apart — we’ve just had a bad run,” Maguire said during a press conference on Monday. “We’ve had close games that haven’t gone our way, injuries to key players, and we’re integrating players back into the system. The cohesion will come. What people don’t see is the effort that’s going into our preparation.”
Maguire’s comments come as the club receives a much-needed boost with the confirmed return of star playmaker Ezra Mam, who has been cleared to play after escaping suspension for a high tackle incident in his Queensland Cup comeback.
Mam, 22, returned to the field in a dominant display for Souths-Logan in their 66-10 demolition of the Western Clydesdales on the weekend, where he scored a try and laid on three more in just over 40 minutes of action. However, the comeback was briefly overshadowed when Mam was placed on report for a high shot on Clydesdales prop Lachlan Mears-Crabbe in the opening minutes.
The NRL Match Review Committee reviewed the incident on Monday and confirmed Mam would not be charged, clearing the way for his return to the Broncos’ first-grade lineup as early as this Sunday against the Dragons.
“Ezra’s return is massive for us,” Maguire said. “He’s an electric player, and we’ve missed his creativity and energy. More importantly, he’s put in the work and shown maturity. He’s ready.”
Mam, who was sidelined for nine games due to a suspension stemming from an off-season drug-driving incident, expressed his gratitude for the second chance and was optimistic about his return.
“It definitely feels good to be back on the field,” Mam said. “I’ve been training hard, and I just want to contribute. I’m not focused on anything but doing my job and earning my spot.”
Souths-Logan assistant and Broncos great Justin Hodges also praised Mam’s attitude and maturity, stating the young five-eighth had “learned his lesson” and was ready to step back into the NRL spotlight.
“Everyone makes mistakes — what matters is how you bounce back,” Hodges said. “Ezra’s been a leader in training. He’s shown the group what resilience looks like.”
The Broncos, who started the 2025 NRL season strongly, have now lost five of their last six games, slipping to seventh on the ladder. Maguire acknowledged the recent struggles but insisted that the team is “not far off” and that the intensity and quality of recent training sessions are setting a platform for a resurgence.
“There’s been a massive shift in attitude,” Maguire said. “The boys are ripping in during training — we’ve had some of our most impressive sessions all year. I believe we’re about to turn a corner.”
With Ben Hunt sidelined for up to six weeks due to injury, Mam’s return couldn’t be more timely. The Broncos will now look to reinvigorate their season with a revamped halves pairing, as Mam reunites with halfback Adam Reynolds, a combination that was central to Brisbane’s charge to the 2023 NRL Grand Final.
As Maguire faces mounting scrutiny, all eyes will be on how his side responds — starting with Sunday’s crucial clash against the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium. A win could be the catalyst Brisbane needs to reclaim its spot among the NRL elite.
