LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The NRL community is buzzing after a controversial match between the Brisbane Broncos and Canterbury Bulldogs, where Broncos star Ezra Mam overcame jeers from fans to lead a stunning second-half comeback.
Despite being down 18-0 at halftime, thanks to tries from Bulldogs players Marcelo Montoya, Matt Burton, and Viliame Kikau, Mam played a key role in Brisbane's miraculous turnaround, ultimately winning the game 22-18.
The match saw Brisbane missing key players due to State of Origin duty, and Selwyn Cobbo's performance at fullback drew criticism after he inadvertently contributed to two Bulldogs tries.
Throughout the game, Mam faced relentless boos aimed at his past drug-driving controversy, as Bulldogs fans made their feelings clear.
However, he pivoted from a slow start to orchestrate three tries in the second half, helping his team claim their fourth consecutive win.
This victory allows the Broncos to stay within two wins of the top four teams and marks their second triumph over the Bulldogs this season.
The Bulldogs, also impacted by player absences during Origin, saw coach Cameron Ciraldo make notable changes, including shifting Matt Burton to center and installing Lachie Galvin at No.6.
However, these adjustments raised questions about the effectiveness of Canterbury's new halves combination, as both Galvin and Toby Sexton struggled with decision-making and execution.
Fans were left seething over a key incident in the second half that went unnoticed by officials; many believed Canterbury's Connor Tracey should have been sin-binned during the game.
Overall, while Mam's performance earned him redemption, the match's officiating and the Bulldogs' tactical choices continued to fuel discussions among supporters and analysts alike.