Broncos coach Michael Maguire insists the decision to axe five-eighth Ezra Mam was “only form” based as the defending premiers look to avoid a horror five-game losing streak when they face the Titans this weekend.
Maguire has named Tom Duffy in the halves for Saturday’s showdown, with Mam part of an extended bench.
The premiership winner has missed the most tackles in the league this season and hasn’t set the world on fire with his attack.
He’s paid the price for their shock home loss to the previously winless Dragons last week, with Mam now at risk of losing his spot in the Maroons squad for Origin II on June 17.
“You make decisions around what you feel is right. Obviously, Ezra’s been going through a bit with his game and then Tom Duffy’s been playing well,” Maguire said.
“I’ve always been one to, when someone’s performing well, to give them an opportunity. This is just a moment in time that Ezra’s going through. He’s gone back and worked hard at his game.
“Every player may go through that or will go through that at some stage. It’s about responding.
“He’s (all) right, he understands. I’m pretty transparent about what is expected and to be honest, the players are themselves. He knows himself as well, which is a good thing.
“It’s about just going back, getting your practice in and getting to the game that we know ‘Ez’ can play. He’s a quality player … he’s on the bench for a reason. We’ll see how the game plays out.”
The Broncos will be without injured duo Pat Carrigan and Gehamat Shibasaki for Saturday’s clash at Suncorp Stadium, with Maguire desperate to see a response from his side after their poor performance against the Dragons.
Star forward Payne Haas lashed their effort after the game, and his coach said he had no issue with the powerhouse prop’s comments.
“We all have the same belief and we know what they’re capable of, but at the end of the day, you’ve got to find it,” Maguire said.
“We’ve had moments over the last couple of months where we’ve seen that, but it’s about being consistent, so that’s something there that we’ve got to get very quickly.
“I know the group can be a lot better than where we’ve been.”
Originally published as ‘He understands’: Michael Maguire explains axing Ezra Mam and why he has no issues with Payne Haas’ fiery post-game comments