'Wouldn't know what it's like': Reece Walsh hits back after radio host tells heckled Ezra Mam to 'suck it up'
Reece Walsh has leapt to the defence of Broncos teammate Ezra Mam after he copped a harsh reception at Brookvale Oval last weekend.
The five-eighth, who is just two games back from a lengthy suspension for an off-field incident, was treated to plenty of boos in Manly's 34-6 thrashing of the visitors.
Mam was found guilty of drug driving offences after testing positive for cocaine and crashing into another vehicle after the 2024 season.
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His performance against the Sea Eagles left plenty to be desired and Mam has since been quoted in The Sydney Morning Herald responding to the criticism, claiming he was used to copping heat from fans after the fallout of the Spencer Leniu racism saga.
Broncos star Ezra Mam (left) reacts after a Manly try. Getty
"It doesn't really bother me – I'm just happy to be playing footy," he said.
"It's not going to stop my performance. The only thing that will stop my performance is myself. If anything, that only motivates me more to prove people wrong.
"[Racism] has been in my life my whole life, it's second nature to me.
"When you're one to call something out, it comes back a bit harder. I'm not afraid to stand up for myself and my people, and people who look like me.
"I'll keep doing that as long as I want, and if that means I get booed, I get booed."
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Despite the gun Brisbane playmaker acknowledging he will likely receive less-than stellar treatment from rival fans, there has been plenty of reaction urging him to deal with it after his actions last year that left a young child in hospital.
2GB's Wide World of Sports radio host Adam Hawse called out the Broncos star for complaining about being heckled, which drew a stern response from Walsh on social media.
"How has he not copped it on the chin?" the star fullback said.
"You've never stepped onto a field so you wouldn't know what it's like out there."
Walsh and Mam have a strong bond, but are yet to play together this season.
Brisbane are expected to welcome back the livewire No.1 for their clash against the Gold Coast Titans this weekend.
