After acknowledging ‘cultural’ and ‘leadership’ problems at the NRL club this week, following the Ezra Mam scandal, Brisbane Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy might as well have kicked Kevin Walters when he was down.
The 21-year-old playmaker, who collided with an Uber driver in Brisbane last Friday, is accused by Queensland Police of driving without a license and tested positive for drugs. The Broncos are currently coping with the aftermath from this incident.
Mam signed himself into rehab on Monday, but police have not yet filed charges and will wait for the results of a second drug test before making a decision. However, the NRL community believes that the great five-eighth’s $4 million deal might be torn up if he’s found guilty of the allegations against him.
In response to news that a four-year-old girl riding in the Uber had a fractured hip, Broncos CEO Donaghy addressed the matter on Monday, saying Mam was sorry and especially worried about the people in the other vehicle. Although he called it a “grow up” moment for the entire playing group, the Broncos manager said they will wait till the authorities have handled with Mam before considering what action the team will take.
However, Donaghy’s acknowledgement that the circumstance reveals broader problems at the organization helps to explain their unexpected choice to fire head coach Walters and bring in famous disciplinarian Michael Maguire in his stead. “We’ve made a conscious effort to improve the football program’s culture and leadership skills. The Broncos CEO stated on Brisbane radio on Monday, “We have been disappointed with where we are throughout the year.”
“I’m not going to sugarcoat the truth that I think we have some cultural issues. Returning to leadership is part of it. I’ve pointed out that we need to make investments in this area. We are aware that it will require a great deal of effort. Even if we might not be able to solve it right away, we will undoubtedly design it with great care.
These remarks imply that the Broncos board did not have much confidence in Kevvie’s abilities to discipline the struggling team. However, Maguire is a more traditional coach who is known for his direct approach to work, dedication, and attitude. He is also not hesitant to give some harsh realities to a team that is sometimes accused of being too large for its boots.