Broncos coach Michael Maguire is set to gamble on the fitness of enigmatic number six Ezra Mam for Sunday’s preliminary final against the Penrith Panthers.
After a Round 23 hamstring tear, Mam was seen as having no hope of playing again this season, a huge blow to the Broncos’ premiership aspirations.
As speculation grew over his potential availability, the Courier Mail reported today that Mam will be selected in the Broncos’ 17, likely off the bench.
It was reported Mam was running with the team in Tuesday’s session and has had several in-depth conversations with Maguire, possibly about his role for Sunday.
MORE: Ethan Strange chooses between Australia and New Zealand
It is a huge inclusion for the Broncos in a rematch of the 2023 grand final, a showdown Brisbane would love to avenge after being run down by the Panthers that year.
Mam’s recovery not only gives the Broncos more options and strike power, but also injects significant confidence into the squad.
“It would be great to have Ezra back, he brings some real X-factor,” halfback Ben Hunt said, who has filled in as a playmaker in the absence of both Reynolds and Mam.
It also couldn’t come at a better time, with Mam’s replacement, Billy Walters, suffering an ACL injury that now requires a full knee reconstruction.
With Reynolds and Hunt set to be named in the halves today, it will be fascinating to see what Maguire’s final lineup looks like at kick-off on Sunday.
The Broncos have lost their last five matchups against the Panthers, and nine of their last ten.
That record, combined with the Panthers’ red-hot form, has them starting as significant favourites to book a place in their fifth successive grand final.
With Mam’s return, however, the Broncos will now fancy their chances that an upset could well and truly be on the cards at Suncorp Stadium this Sunday.