By Nick Wright
It is the news every Broncos fan has been craving: Ezra Mam has re-signed to remain at Red Hill.
The enigmatic five-eighth, whose grand final hat-trick heroics took his side close to a first premiership since 2006, has extended his tenure under coach Kevin Walters by inking a deal through to the end of 2029.
Ezra Mam (right), pictured with Reece Walsh, will remain with the Broncos until at least the end of 2029.Credit: NRL Imagery
At just 21, Mam has announced himself as a genuine NRL star, casting aside a disappointing finish to his 2022 maiden campaign in which he was dropped for the latter stages, to finish last year with 18 tries, nine try assists, 10 line break assists and an average of 98 running metres a game.
Mam was reportedly being chased by crosstown rivals the Dolphins when he became a free agent on November 1, in a move that would have continued Wayne Bennett’s raid on his former club.
But the Broncos have got their man, and Walters believed what rugby league pundits had witnessed of Mam was just the beginning.
“Ezra is a born-and-bred Bronco, and it’s great that he is staying where he belongs,” Walters said.
“He is an exciting player, but he also likes to get in there and do the tough stuff and do what needs to be done for his team.
“We have only scratched the surface on what Ez can do – we’ll keep on working with him to improve his game and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together over the years ahead.”
Mam’s five-year contract continues a retention spree by the Broncos, as they seek to keep the core of their grand final side together for the long haul.
That cohesion and confidence will ensure the rookies in the ranks will be well-supported as they strive to become first-grade regulars.
The Broncos celebrate after Billy Walters scores.Credit: Getty
Hooker Billy Walters remains the only member of the grand final line-up without a contract beyond this season.
Given his breakout year in 2023, and the fact his father is the coach, it appears likely he will not be going anywhere, however the rise of Blake Mozer could heap pressure on him to keep the No.9 jumper.
Eleven of the men who took the field against the Panthers in the final will remain with the squad until at least the end of 2025, while the likes of Corey Jensen, Deine Mariner, Xavier Willison and Mozer are all expected to become regular starters in 2024.
Halfback and captain Adam Reynolds, off contract at the end of this year, is also deep into negotiations to go around for one more premiership tilt next year, having shed five kilograms in the off season in a bid to prolong his career.
Brisbane are also expected to secure Reece Walsh beyond 2025 before he hits the open market on November 1 this year – set to receive a significant raise that belies his reported $400,000 salary – with Walters declaring the club’s desire to keep him long-term.
Despite losing Thomas Flegler, Herbie Farnworth, Keenan Palasia and Kurt Capewell, Walters believed his squad was on a trajectory for bigger things this year.
“That’s what happens, we’ve seen with all the teams in the last 10 years you can’t hang on to all of them,” Walters said.
“That’s the progression of our roster, it’s continually changing, and we do see Ezra as a long-term player here. Him and Walshy, we’d certainly like to see them here – they can move in if they want.
“We’re heading in the right direction as a club and as a team. I’m really excited about the group we’ve put together ... and I’m confident we’ll have another good season.”