Ezra Mam benched as Tom Duffy nears Broncos deal

ezra mam has been benched for Brisbane’s Queensland derby, and Tom Duffy will step into the No. 6 jersey while the Broncos move closer to locking him in on a two-year extension. The deal would keep the 22-year-old at Red Hill until the end of 2028.

Tom Duffy and Michael Maguire

Duffy has not formally signed the fresh contract, but his management and the Broncos are in the advanced stages of negotiations. He has played three games for Brisbane this season and will partner Adam Reynolds in the halves against the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium.

Coach Michael Maguire backed the move by saying, “I have a really high opinion of Tommy and we want to keep him here,” and added, “When you have a competitive squad, which you want as a coach, you give players the opportunity and in this case Tom gets his opportunity this week.”

Ezra Mam and the Broncos slide

The selection call lands during a rough stretch for Brisbane. The Broncos have dropped to 11th on the NRL standings after four consecutive defeats, and Mam’s omission opens a clear path for Duffy in a game that has become more than just a local derby.

Maguire said he had been “really impressed with what Tom has done since joining us,” adding that Duffy “has got a great attitude and is willing to learn which is a great sign, so he gets his chance this week.” Ben Hunt was even more direct about the rookie’s rise, saying, “Right from his first game at the club, he’s been outstanding,” and, “He’s a kid that is really loved around the group. He’s always out on the field trying to improve himself and up in the video room trying to get better.”

Broncos halfback path

The longer view is just as clear. Next season, Duffy could compete with Ben Hunt and Jonah Pezet for the halfback spot after Adam Reynolds retires, and Pezet has already signed a three-year deal with the Broncos from 2027. For now, the immediate test is Saturday at 7.35pm AEST, when Duffy gets the start and Brisbane tries to stop the slide.