Broncos in Crisis Mode: CEO Dave Donaghy Calls for Maturity
The Brisbane Broncos are facing a tumultuous period, with their CEO, Dave Donaghy, issuing a stern warning to his players to grow up and take responsibility for their actions. The latest controversy to rock the club involves star five-eighth Ezra Mam, who is awaiting the result of a secondary sample test after allegedly failing a roadside drug test following a head-on car crash.
Leadership and Culture Issues Exposed
Donaghy has pinpointed leadership and culture issues as the root cause of the club’s problems, which have been exacerbated by a series of off-field incidents during the COVID period. Despite reaching last year’s grand final, the Broncos have struggled this season, plummeting to 12th on the ladder and parting ways with coach Kevin Walters.
Mam’s Future Uncertain
When asked if Mam had played his last game for the club, Donaghy refused to guarantee his future, citing the need for more information before making a decision. “We haven’t had a discussion internally in depth,” Donaghy told 4BC radio. “We don’t have all the facts. We want to ensure that we’ve got all the information so we can make the right decision for us.”
Personal Responsibility and Accountability
Donaghy emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and accountability, particularly in the privileged role of professional sportspeople. “Ezra is a young man, he’s a 21-year-old. Unfortunately, in this industry, you need to grow up quickly. That’s the price of entry.”
New Coach, New Era
With renowned disciplinarian Michael Maguire set to arrive as the club’s new coach on Wednesday, Donaghy acknowledged that driving change would require a collective effort. “I’ve seen commentary previously about this being a line-in-the sand moment. I think for this group it’s a grow-up moment,” Donaghy said.
Cultural Challenges Ahead
Donaghy conceded that the Broncos face significant cultural challenges, which would require investment in leadership capability and a deliberate approach to designing a positive team culture. “Part of it is back to leadership. It’s an area I’ve highlighted we need to invest in,” he said. “We know that is going to take a lot of hard work. We might not fix it overnight, but we will certainly be very deliberate about designing it.”
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