‘Jono’ signs with Devils

BY ALF WILSON

Torres Strait Islander Ezra Mam showed he is a genuine rising NRL superstar when he scored two tries in the Brisbane Broncos 28-16 win over the North Queensland Cowboys in last Friday night’s Queensland derby at Suncorp Stadium.

More than 43,000 spectators packed into the Brisbane Stadium to watch the Broncos and Mam shone.

Five eighth Mam has improved in every game as he partnered with champion number seven Andy Reynolds in the Broncos halves.

The youngster turned 20 on January 31 and has produced sensational match statistics.

Mam ran for 119 metres during his 11 runs, made one tackle bust and always had the Cowboys defence guessing whenever he touched the ball.

The Cowboys led early and ran to a 6-nil lead and at the 12th minute Mam looked to have scored a try which was disallowed.

A try just before halftime saw the scores at the break level at 10-all, and it was anybody’s game.

With less than a minute remaining before the break Mam pounced on a grubber kick to score his first four pointer.

tries in eight games at Suncorp Stadium after making his A grade debut last season, and has also showed great grit in defence.

BY ALF WILSON

Flying outside back Jonathon “Jono” Reuben (pictured above on left), who has starred in Erub United’s amazing successes, is signed up with the Norths Devils in the Hostplus Queensland Super Cup competition.

Jono played when Erub United won the Arthur Beetson Foundation Murri Carnival at Redcliffe last October, and also lined up for them when they lost the Murri versus Koori Interstate Challenge to NSW Koori Knockout winner Newcastle Allblacks in January this year.

The 29-year-old has played numerous seasons in the Queensland Cup, one NRL game for the St George Dragons in Townsville last season and at several Allblacks carnivals.

“I may be 29 but I feel like I am just 21,” he told the Torres News

“I have had a good pre-season and am looking forward to being with Norths for the Queensland Cup.”

Quietly spoken off the field, he is a proud Torres Strait Islander who reckons Allblacks carnivals are amongst the toughest competitions to compete in.

“Erub United played seven games at the Queensland Murri Knockout and I was so sore afterwards and it took me two weeks to recover,” he said.

Erub United organiser Elia Ware praised Jono and said he first heard of him when he played with the Canberra Raiders under-20 team.

“I’ve been following him ever since,” he said.

“When we first established Erub United in 2016, I asked Jono to join us then, but he couldn’t due to other commitments – the door was always open for him to join us but when the time was right he would play.

“I’m a huge fan. His highlight reel speaks for itself.

“One of the best finishers in rugby league that should’ve played NRL a long time ago, but God has his reasons, and I’m sure Jono is enjoying dominating Queensland Cup.

“Now that Jono has played for Erub United and met family members, I know he’ll be keen for the next carnival.

“All the best Bala Jono for 2023 and can’t wait to catch up when you’re in town (Cairns).”

In late 2019 he captained for Jumma Balas, named in named in honour of his much loved and late brother, Sam Reuben.

“I was just 19 when I played for Bowen and remember it well,” he said.

“It was very emotional playing for Sam’s team at the Bindal carnival in Townsville.”

Last year Jono made NRL history when he made his NRL debut on a wing for St George Dragons in Townsville.

When he took the field he was 29 years and 92 days of age, making him the oldest debutant in the NRL era.

“This was definitely a dream come true, as little kid I just wanted to play NRL,” he said. “My family is here, one of my goals was to play in Townsville and it’s come true.

“It was really fast out there and I enjoyed every minute of it.”

He said as soon as the Queensland Cup draw came out he checked to see if Norths Devils would be playing in Townsville, Cairns, TI or Bamaga.

“I wanted to come back and see my family but we don’t have games up there,” he said.

At the 50th minute, fullback Broncos attacked, and Mam raced away to score a try which propelled the Broncos to a 20-10 lead.

Cowboys back-rower Jeremiah Nanai then scored to give the Cowboys some hope of a victory but Broncos fullback Walsh scored soon after to give the Broncos victory.

Mam has now scored seven

He was tackled heavily on several occasions but displayed true class to be one of the best players on the field.

Cowboys forward Reuben Cotter had a good game.

He was solid in attack and defence, and took some heavy knocks.

During his time on the bench the Cowboys looked less efficient.

Mam has been in the Broncos’ pathways program since he was 13, and has earned his spot in last year’s 30-man squad, making his debut in round 11 on May 19 against the Newcastle Knights. MEANWHILE Ezra has a big following on Hammond Island where proud mum Tomisina Ahwang lives.

Tomasina said she watched the Broncos/Cowboys head to head on television and was “nervously excited’’.

“Most of the residents here on Hammond Island watched the game and Ezra also has a big following on Waiben and other islands,” she said.

Tomisina said she spoke to Ezra on the phone not long after the game and then again the following morning.

“It is our ritual that we speak after his games and I had been concerned that he has a broken nose after a heavy tackle,” she said. “But he is okay.”

Tomisina said Ezra had a bout of flu in the week leading up to the match which made his performance all the better.

“I did get very excited watching the game here on Hammond Island and whilst I was nervous, the Broncos are comeback kings and I thought they would win,” she said.

This very happy mother said Ezra has sacrificed a lot to get where he was in rugby league.

“He has been committed and is a very good son,” she said.

She said Ezra told her the coming Broncos match against the Dolphins was sold out.

“I will also be keeping an eye on Dolphins players Brenko and Edrick Lee, who are related to us,” she said.