Reece Walsh has come to the aid of his Brisbane Broncos teammate, Ezra Mam, who faced a barrage of boos during a recent match against the Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval. Mam, who has recently returned to the field after serving a suspension for drug-driving, endured a tough performance in which the Sea Eagles triumphed over the Broncos 34-6.
The young five-eighth was previously involved in a serious off-field incident that saw him test positive for cocaine and lead to a car crash. In light of the crowd’s hostility, Mam expressed that he was accustomed to such treatment from fans, particularly following the controversy related to the Spencer Leniu racism incident.
In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Mam stated, "It doesn’t really bother me – I’m just happy to be playing footy." He emphasised that the negativity he faces does not hinder his performance; rather, it inspires him to improve. Mam acknowledged that racial vilification has been a constant in his life, but he remains unafraid to speak out against it, affirming, "If that means I get booed, I get booed."
Despite understanding the likelihood of continuing to receive unfriendly treatment from opposing fans, there is some public sentiment urging him to accept the backlash stemming from his past actions, which included causing injury to a young child. Radio host Adam Hawse challenged Mam’s complaints about audience heckling, prompting an impassioned defence from Walsh, who retorted that Hawse’s lack of experience on the field rendered him incapable of comprehending the pressures players endure.
Walsh and Mam share a solid friendship, though they have yet to take the field together in the current season. Brisbane is anticipating Walsh’s return for their upcoming match against the Gold Coast Titans, where the duo may finally unite in play.