Former NRL player Luke Keary has called on Brisbane Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam to rise to the occasion given the team's significant injury challenges.
The Broncos are set to be without Reece Walsh and Ben Hunt for a duration of six to eight weeks, while Adam Reynolds will miss one to two weeks as they protect their title defense.
Mam, who showcased his talent against the Titans last weekend, must now take charge and guide his team until their star players return.
On Channel 7's Agenda Setters: Rugby League, Keary, alongside Corey Parker and David Riccio, emphasized the importance of Mam making a statement as the Broncos aim to defend their championship.
"Reece Walsh is out for 6 -8 weeks - required surgery on that cheekbone," Parker remarked.
"We've discussed at length how devastating he is when he's playing for the Brisbane Broncos. In the opening half he scored an individual solo try, got one disallowed. But his absence over the next 6 weeks… what do we think?"
Walsh was dynamic prior to his cheekbone injury sustained on the Gold Coast, leaving many to question how Brisbane will replicate that energy in his absence.
"Adding too, Ben Hunt also gone, and also too, the situation with what happens in the halves. Jesse Arthurs is my anticipation to play in fullback, and a young Tom Duffy to play in the halves," Riccio suggested.
Mam etched his name in Grand Final history by scoring a hat-trick in the 2023 decider, demonstrating his capability as an elite ball-running half, even though the team did not secure the title that year.