NRL Investigates Broncos Players Over Incident in Bali

The National Rugby League (NRL) integrity unit and the Brisbane Broncos have initiated an investigation into an alleged incident involving high-profile players Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam at a nightspot in Bali. The inquiry follows a complaint regarding the duo’s interaction with a fan seeking a selfie with Walsh.

According to reports, a complaint was submitted to both the NRL head office and the Broncos concerning the athletic duo’s conduct. It is alleged that a fan attempted to take a selfie with Walsh, which led to Mam intervening by taking the fan’s phone. The NRL integrity unit confirmed its awareness of the incident and has launched a formal investigation. The Broncos, cognizant of the incident, have declined to comment further.

Insiders familiar with the unfolding situation, who spoke under anonymity due to the ongoing investigation, revealed that the athletes had spent the day drinking with a group from the Sutherland Shire. The group was reportedly involved in persistent filming and photography of Walsh throughout the day. Later that evening, a member of the group apologized to Mam for a friend’s behavior and suggested retrieving the phone, which was eventually dropped and lost in the process.

The father of the phone’s owner reportedly emailed a formal complaint to the NRL, demanding compensation for the damaged device, further threatening to publicize the incident if a replacement was not provided. Mam has since made payment for a new phone.

Manager Nash Dawson commented on the situation, stating, “The damaged phone was simply an accident within a heavily populated nightclub in Bali. A person’s phone was dropped and damaged, to which that person has asked for the player to pay for the damages and the player has already paid it.”

This incident adds to an already tumultuous period for the Broncos, following the recent departure of former coach Kevin Walters. Walters and the Broncos mutually decided to part ways after a disappointing 12th-place finish, despite having two years remaining on his contract.

Broncos CEO David Donaghy addressed media speculation, refuting claims that Walters had lost the support of the team. “We acknowledge that, as an organization and as a club, we can be better, we can do better,” Donaghy stated, noting that internal discussions will be held to determine the next steps for the club as they aim to build on the foundations set by Walters.