NRL Grand Final: Broncos star Ezra Mam announces himself to the world with scintillating hat-trick display

Liam O'Loughlin

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NRL Grand Final: Broncos star Ezra Mam announces himself to the world with scintillating hat-trick display image

In a 10-minute period on Sunday night, Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam went from a promising young gun to one of rugby league's elite stars and announced himself to the world. 

With all the pressure on his shoulders and Penrith in the lead at half-time, the 20-year-old stood up with one of the great grand final performances, crossing for a hat-trick to set Accor Stadium alight.

Mam's first try in the 44th minute was up there with some of the great solo efforts in the history of NRL deciders, before eight minutes later he took advantage of some second-phase play and brushed past the Panthers defence.

In the 54th minute, Mam looked to have secured a drought-breaking title for the Broncos, backing up in support of Reece Walsh to score untouched and give his side a 24-8 buffer heading into the back-end of the game.

Unfortunately, the defending premiers bounced back and Nathan Cleary orchestrated the biggest comeback in grand final history, etching his name into NRL folklore and snatching the coveted Clive Churchill Medal away from Mam.

MORE: Brisbane Broncos player ratings | Penrith Panthers player ratings

Kevin Walters praises 'superhuman' Ezra Mam performance

Speaking to the media post-game, a disappointed Broncos coach Kevin Walters couldn't help but heap praise on the No.6 for his efforts in a losing side.

“It was superhuman wasn’t it from Ezra," he said.

"We know he’s a talented little player and he showed that tonight on the big stage.

"I’m not gonna single out anyone, because everyone was trying really hard… sometimes the football gods take things away from you and they did that tonight to us.

"That second period there for 20 minutes, that’s the Broncos I know. We’re not there yet, but when we do, we’ll win premierships… we’re not far off, as you saw tonight. We’re a lot closer now than we were 12 months ago."

During his acceptance speech, the aforementioned Cleary would also shout out his opposing playmaker, describing him as a 'freak' after his blistering showcase against Penrith. 

Mam has played just 38 games in the top grade since making his debut last season and looks to have locked down the five-eighth position for as long as he wants it - but his asking price for November 1st may have just skyrocketed. 

Ezra Mam NRL Grand Final hat-trick

Mam's three-try performance in Sunday night's clash at Accor Stadium proved why persisting with the youth can pay off, with his unbridled confidence and X-factor tearing a trademark defensive unit apart on numerous occasions. 

Watch all three of Ezra Mam's stunning grand final tries below.

While all the talk pre-game was surrounding Walsh at the back, it was Mam who shone when the lights were the brightest and gave Brisbane fans a glimpse into the next decade of his potential dominance in the NRL. 

Ezra Mam NRL Grand Final stats

Tries 3
Linebreaks 2
Tackle Breaks 6
Run Metres 160m
Kick Metres 12m
Tackles 16

 

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.