Brisbane Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam’s career hangs in the balance following a two-car crash in Bardon on Friday afternoon, October 18, 2024, with legal experts warning he could face up to 14 years in prison.
The incident occurred on Simpsons Road in Bardon, when Mam’s Ford Ranger collided head-on with a Toyota Camry being used as an Uber vehicle. The 21-year-old NRL player was allegedly driving unlicensed at the time and failed a roadside drug test.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Three passengers in the Toyota Camry, including a school-aged child, were taken to hospital in a stable condition.
Canberra lawyer Tom Taylor outlined the severity of the situation. “The precise nature of the charges will really depend on the evidence that’s gathered as part of this investigation,” Taylor said. “There’s a bit of public information that’s known about it at this stage, but there’s still a way to go.”
According to Taylor, the blood test results, which could take several weeks to process, will be crucial. “The two bigger charges really are the charges that relate to the drug in his system — if it is that the blood sample that was taken at the hospital confirms the presence of a drug in his system,” he explained.
Taylor noted that roadside tests screen for four types of drugs: cocaine, cannabis, MDMA, and methamphetamine. However, he emphasised that these initial tests can be unreliable, making the blood test results critical for determining both the presence and quantity of any substances.
The Brisbane Broncos confirmed on Sunday they are working with the NRL integrity unit regarding the incident. While Mam has not been arrested or charged and is entitled to the presumption of innocence, he could face both NRL suspension and internal sanctions from the Broncos.
The Bardon crash investigation marks the second time Mam has come under scrutiny from the NRL’s integrity unit in recent months, following a probe into a fan interaction at a Bali nightlife venue last month.
Published 21-October-2024