Broncos coach Michael Maguire has opened up on the controversial axing of Brisbane playmaker Ezra Mam for this weekend\u2019s Queensland derby against the Gold Coast Titans, confirming the decision was purely form-based.<\/p>\n
The struggling Mam was relegated to the bench ahead of Saturday\u2019s cash in Brisbane and replaced by young gun Thomas Duffy, who will partner Adam Reynolds in the halves.<\/p>\n
It comes after the reigning premiers slipped down to 11th on the NRL standings having suffered four consecutive defeats, including last weekend\u2019s four-point loss to the Dragons.<\/p>\n
You can watch the explanation in the player above.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all have the same belief and we know what they\u2019re capable of, but ultimately, at the end of the day, you\u2019ve got to find it,\u201d Maguire told reporters on Friday morning.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had moments over the last couple of months where we\u2019ve seen that, but it\u2019s about being consistent, so that\u2019s something there that we\u2019ve got to get very quickly.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cI know the group can be a lot better than where we\u2019ve been.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked about Mam\u2019s surprise omission, which comes as the 23-year-old is scrutinised for his poor defence, Maguire responded: \u201cYou make decisions around what you feel is right.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously he\u2019s been going through a bit with his game, and then Tom Duffy\u2019s been playing well. I\u2019ve always been one to when someone\u2019s performing, I\u2019ll give them an opportunity.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery player may go through that or will go through that at some stage, so it\u2019s about responding.<\/p>\n
\u201cTommy\u2019s come in and we know what he\u2019s capable of, and he brings a lot of energy to the team, so that\u2019s something there that I felt was what was needed this week.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pressed on the reason for Mam\u2019s benching, Maguire clarified: \u201cOnly form. Just simple, straight form.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re picking and selecting players on what you\u2019re seeing at the time and around performance. That\u2019s purely it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked how Mam reacted to the axing, Maguire replied: \u201cHe\u2019s alright. He understands. I\u2019m pretty transparent about what is expected.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about just coming back and getting your practise in and getting to the game that we know he can play. He\u2019s a quality player.\u201d<\/p>\n
He continued: \u201cWe\u2019ve always selected our players on performances, and we\u2019ve got a squad for a reason. When people are shining and they\u2019re doing well, then I\u2019m going to give them a go.\u201d<\/p>\n
Maguire was also quizzed about Payne Haas\u2019 comments following the loss to the Dragons, which the New South Wales representative called \u201cone of the worst performances I\u2019ve been a part of\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had no intent, no energy. I was pretty disappointed,\u201d he said at the time.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Maguire had no issues with Haas\u2019 remarks, claiming that he was just \u201cbeing honest\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cPayne\u2019s showing his emotion after a game,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was disappointing. You want that from your players.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re showing their disappointment. We obviously spoke about that with him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brisbane will face the Titans at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday at 7.35pm AEST.<\/p>\n
This article originally appeared in Fox Sports and was reproduced with permission.<\/p>\n