Michael Maguire insists Ezra Mam understands the decision to axe him from Brisbane's starting line-up only days after featuring in Queensland's squad for State of Origin I.
The coach said he could no longer leave new recruit Tom Duffy unrewarded for his promising start to life at the Broncos, sensationally relegating Mam to the bench for Saturday's derby against Gold Coast.
Rated the club's long-term five-eighth, Mam has paid the price for Sunday's abysmal loss to last-placed St George Illawarra, and the Broncos' underwhelming start to their premiership defence.
"It's about being successful each weekend and we haven't hit the mark there over the last month," said Maguire, whose side are on a four-game losing streak with a 5-7 record.
