Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Ezra Mam’s late decision has come under scrutiny after the Brisbane Broncos fell 28-23 to the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium, leaving their top-eight hopes under pressure.

With Brisbane trailing by five and only 30 seconds left, Mam went down the short side on tackle one and kicked for Grant Anderson, despite the Broncos having numbers on the right edge.

For more on the finish, read Keano Kini Magic Lifts Gold Coast Titans Past Brisbane Broncos In Suncorp Thriller.

Cronk Breaks Down Broncos’ Final Chance

The Gold Coast Titans won the race to Mam’s kick and knocked the ball dead, sealing a famous win after Keano Kini’s late solo try had put them in front.

Fox League analyst Cooper Cronk said the final play was a moment Mam would want back.

“Sometimes in our game, it comes down to moments, and there was a moment that Ezra Mam will want to have back because when the game was on the line, there were a couple of options for Mam,” Cronk said.

“If Adam Reynolds is calling for the ball, in moments of chaos, you need vision. There are multiple players for the Broncos on the right and minimal players for the Titans. He doesn’t look right and goes in on an all-in play and in moments of chaos you need to do the team thing.

“You can’t predict the future, but if he gets it to the right hand side, I’m pretty certain it’s a try for the Brisbane Broncos.

“I’m pretty sure he’d like to have that moment again. If he passes it right, maybe it’s a different result.”

Broncos Slide Continues

Mam had been moved to the bench by Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire during the week, but entered earlier than planned after Tom Duffy suffered a head knock.

The playmaker still caused problems, recording a line break, four tackle busts and 65 running metres.

Brisbane have now lost five straight matches, while the Gold Coast Titans ended their losing run in dramatic fashion. Official NRL updates are available through the NRL website.