Ezra Mam is a talented young Queensland halfback who is making a name for himself in the junior representative programs.
Last season, Mam enjoyed a stellar year; not only was he named in the Australian Secondary Schools Merit team – he was also awarded player of the Championships at the 2018 Under 15s National Championship.
“I think the highlight of 2018 for me would have to be making the Australian Merit Team,” Mam said.
"I played Met West in (Under) 11s and (Under) 12s and it was always something I’ve wanted to work towards.”
A versatile player, Mam spent time as a custodian as well as in the forward pack as he progressed through the junior system.“When I was younger I used to be more a fullback, and at one stage I even shifted into the forwards, playing a bit of lock and second-row,” he said.
“I don’t really mind where I’m playing, as long as I’m on the field.”
Road to Origin - Under 16 Emerging Camp
Originally from Cairns, Mam has been welcomed back to the Queensland Emerging program for the second consecutive year after being involved in the Under 15 squad at the start of 2018.
“I’ve been a part of the Emerging Program for two years now ... I’ve been developing my skills and there is always something new to learn,” Mam said of the annual development camps.
“It’s good to be back in Emerging camp around the boys, I don’t really get to see everyone that often.”
Mam is a student of Ambrose Treacy College (in Indooroopilly) and has been developing his broader football skills by playing rugby union with the school team.
“I [have been playing] rugby union at Ambrose Tracey, which is obviously something new for me, however over time I have been able to develop my game,” he said.
“I have the school rugby on Saturday and then league on Sunday, so I’ve got to juggle games and training.
Mam is affiliated with Brisbane Broncos through their development program and plays his junior footy with Souths Acacia Ridge.
The impressive progression of fellow Souths affiliate club player Tanah Boyd – who has been promoted to the Broncos top squad – is something Mam has been able to see close up and would one day like to emulate.
“I’ve seen Tanah Boyd ... a fair bit (and) I guess I want to try and do what he’s doing, but my own style,” Mam said.
“I’d love to one day play in the NRL to make my family proud, with all the sacrifices they’ve made, I want to be able to make them proud.
“I want to keep getting better and improving my game in 2019, and obviously make the Under 16 Queensland team.”
As well as making the grade for the Emerging squad, he was also recently selected alongside fellow Under 16 Emerging Origin squad member Keanu Dunrobin-Wright, in the Under 16 Queensland Murri side.
The team are down to travel to Mudgee to play as the curtain raiser to the Charity Shield game on March 2.
“It’s a privilege to be able to play in the Murri team and represent your culture, who you are, your family and where you come from,” Mam said.
Q and A Corner – Who is your Favourite Maroons player?
“My favourite Queensland Maroons player would probably have to be Matty Bowen. His intercept try back in 2005 was probably my earliest memory of Origin.” – Ezra Mam
