Brisbane Broncos fullback Reece Walsh has publicly defended teammate Ezra Mam after 2GB radio presenter Adam Hawse told the five-eighth to “suck it up” in response to relentless crowd booing during their 32–6 loss to the Sea Eagles in Round 13.
Mam was jeered each time he touched the ball, a reaction linked to his nine-match suspension following a serious car crash in October 2024. Mam had driven under the influence of drugs and without a license, veering into oncoming traffic and injuring three people, including a child who suffered a fractured hip.
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On Tuesday, Hawse said Mam should “take it on the chin,” prompting Walsh to fire back via social media.
“How has he not copped it on the chin? You’ve never stepped onto a field so you wouldn’t know what it’s like out there — good reporting, ADAM,” Walsh wrote.
While Fox League’s James Hooper acknowledged that Mam can expect more hostility at away games, he emphasized that many fans feel the penalty was too lenient. “It upset a lot of people understandably… most think he got off lightly,” Hooper said.
However, Socceroos great Robbie Slater pointed out that Mam didn’t determine his own punishment and has since served the suspension handed down by the NRL.
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Mam maintained that the boos don’t faze him.
“It doesn’t really bother me… if anything, it motivates me more,” he said.
Mam accepted the backlash but insisted he has taken responsibility and is focused on football.
He also touched on the racial dynamics he believes fuel some of the criticism.
“Racism’s been in my life my whole life… I’m not afraid to stand up for myself and my people… if that means I get booed, I get booed.”
As the Broncos prepare for their next clash against the Titans, the spotlight remains fixed not only on Mam’s performance but also the public reaction to his past, his redemption, and the passionate defense from his teammates.
