Broncos coach Michael Maguire has opened up on the controversial axing of Brisbane playmaker Ezra Mam for this weekend’s Queensland derby against the Gold Coast Titans, confirming the decision was purely form-based.
The struggling Mam was relegated to the bench ahead of Saturday’s cash in Brisbane and replaced by young gun Thomas Duffy, who will partner Adam Reynolds in the halves.
It comes after the reigning premiers slipped down to 11th on the NRL standings having suffered four consecutive defeats, including last weekend’s four-point loss to the Dragons.
You can watch the explanation in the player above.
“We all have the same belief and we know what they’re capable of, but ultimately, at the end of the day, you’ve got to find it,” Maguire told reporters on Friday morning.
“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.
He added: “I know the group can be a lot better than where we’ve been.”
Asked about Mam’s surprise omission, which comes as the 23-year-old is scrutinised for his poor defence, Maguire responded: “You make decisions around what you feel is right.
“Obviously he’s been going through a bit with his game, and then Tom Duffy’s been playing well. I’ve always been one to when someone’s performing, I’ll give them an opportunity.
“Every player may go through that or will go through that at some stage, so it’s about responding.
“Tommy’s come in and we know what he’s capable of, and he brings a lot of energy to the team, so that’s something there that I felt was what was needed this week.”
Pressed on the reason for Mam’s benching, Maguire clarified: “Only form. Just simple, straight form.
“You’re picking and selecting players on what you’re seeing at the time and around performance. That’s purely it.”
Asked how Mam reacted to the axing, Maguire replied: “He’s alright. He understands. I’m pretty transparent about what is expected.
“It’s about just coming back and getting your practise in and getting to the game that we know he can play. He’s a quality player.”
He continued: “We’ve always selected our players on performances, and we’ve got a squad for a reason. When people are shining and they’re doing well, then I’m going to give them a go.”
Maguire was also quizzed about Payne Haas’ comments following the loss to the Dragons, which the New South Wales representative called “one of the worst performances I’ve been a part of”.
“We had no intent, no energy. I was pretty disappointed,” he said at the time.
“We keep on saying we are going to do all these important things on the field, but to be honest we are BS-ing each other.”
Maguire had no issues with Haas’ remarks, claiming that he was just “being honest”.
“Payne’s showing his emotion after a game,” he said.
“It was disappointing. You want that from your players.
“They’re showing their disappointment. We obviously spoke about that with him.”
Brisbane will face the Titans at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday at 7.35pm AEST.
This article originally appeared in Fox Sports and was reproduced with permission.
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