The expectation is Mam will play five-eighth with Hunt shifting to hooker.<\/p>\n
READ MORE:<\/strong> 'Massive call' hands Raiders controversial upset win<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n \ufeffREAD MORE:<\/strong> Cleary's 'grand final like' show carves up Broncos<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> 'Cost the team': Tigers star warned over wild melee<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Many think Mam will return via reserve grade but a thumping at the hands of Penrith on Sunday will have Maguire rethinking that plan.\ufeff<\/p>\n Johnathan Thurston described it as a "big decision" for the coach before agreeing Reynolds, Mam and Hunt would be his spine. \ufeff<\/p>\n "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.<\/p>\n Smith wasn't as convinced, suggesting Mam will have to head back to QLD Cup to gain match fitness. \ufeff<\/p>\n "I'm a little bit opposed \ufeffto that," he said of Mam's immediate return.<\/p>\n "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.<\/p>\n "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."<\/p>\n Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and<\/strong><\/em> 9Now<\/strong><\/em><\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The need for Mam comes after an inconsistent start to the season for the Broncos.<\/p>\n Defeat to the Panthers at Magic Round<\/a> came after a brilliant win over the Bulldogs<\/a> the week before. \ufeff<\/p>\n Post-match, Maguire confirmed Mam is "ready to play".<\/p>\n "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.<\/p>\n "I talk to my leaders all the time about how the team looks and what we're doing and moving towards."<\/p>\n The Broncos face South Sydney in round 10.\ufeff<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n
![\"NRL](\"https:\/\/sportinfo.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/pickerimage-5.jpg\")
<\/p>\n