NRL grand final: Broncos' Ezra Mam vows to play with Benji ...
Benji Marshall's flick pass from the 2005 grand final led to one of the NRL's most memorable tries, as called by Ray Warren.
NRL grand final: Penrith Panthers v Brisbane Broncos. Where: Stadium Australia, Sydney. When: 9.30pm Sunday (NZT). Coverage: Live on Sky Sport, live updates on Stuff.
Brisbane five-eighth Ezra Mam used to watch YouTube highlights of Benji Marshall for inspiration and now he intends to play like him in the NRL grand final against Penrith on Sunday.
The 20-year-old, who made the Dally M team of the year at No.6, has made his mark this year with razzle dazzle and a steely defensive approach.
Marshall, who won the 2005 decider with Wests Tigers while showcasing a flick pass for the ages, was a player Mam idolised.
"I would go on YouTube and watch all the clips of Benji playing. He was such an exciting footy player," Mam told AAP.
"There was that famous flick pass but I just loved how electric he was. He had so much footwork and he knew how to use it.
"Benji had real X-factor and flair about him and wasn't afraid to show his skill. That's how I play and I won't be changing that on Sunday.
"I back my skill and most of the time the bounce of the ball goes my way."
Albert Perez/Getty Images
Ezra Mam hopes to play like Benji Marshall in the NRL final.
Former Broncos half Scott Prince was Marshall's halves partner in 2005 at the Tigers. Prince was asked if he could spot the similarities with Mam.
"I do. Jokingly, I think Ezra can tackle better than Benji and I. He is not afraid to get his shoulder in and get involved in terms of defence," Prince said.
"He certainly has that (Marshall) flair and ability to score points and dictate terms.
"Ezra is in good form and hopefully he continues that."
Prince said the Marshall "care-free factor" could be a negative, but added that Mam was a quick learner.
"I remember Benji used to do his little play from the scrum and hit the girl in row three (of the grandstand), and I can tell you the forwards weren't happy," Prince grinned.
Sport The Library/Photosport
Wests Tigers five eighth Benji Marshall on his sizzling run that set up the famous Pat Richards try for Wests Tigers against the Cowboys in the 2005 grand final.
"That is something Ezra needs to learn but he has an old head on his shoulders. He knows when to complete a set and when to put the flair on and put it away when the team needs him to."
Darren Lockyer was the last No.6 six to win a premiership with the Broncos in 2006.
"I looked up to Karmichael Hunt and Darren Lockyer. I tried to take bits from their game and add it into mine," Mam said.
"I have seen lots of vision of the 2006 grand final and there are reminders all through the clubhouse. It has been a long time but I want to bring another premiership back here at Brisbane. I am confident we can do it."
Panthers: Dylan Edwards, Sunia Turuva, Izack Tago, Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Moses Leota, Mitch Kenny, James Fisher-Harris, Scott Sorensen, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo. Interchange: Jack Cogger, Lindsay Smith, Spencer Leniu, Luke Garner. Reserves: Tyrone Peachey, Matt Eisenhuth, Zac Hosking, Luke Sommerton, Thomas Jenkins
Broncos: Reece Walsh, Jesse Arthars, Kotoni Staggs, Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds, Thomas Flegler, Billy Walters, Payne Haas, Kurt Capewell, Jordan Riki, Patrick Carrigan. Interchange: Tyson Smoothy, Brendan Piakura, Kobe Hetherington, Keenan Palasia, Corey Oates. Reserves: Martin Taupau, Corey Jensen, Jock Madden, Tristan Sailor.
AAP
