- Behind-the-scenes look at the reality of hunting practices
Two Brisbane Broncos players have been thrust into the spotlight for a very different reason this week after appearing in confronting post-hunt images shared online.
Ezra Mam and Xavier Willison, who both play for the Brisbane Broncos, featured in a social media post promoting an upcoming episode of a hunting series titled Beyond The Shot.
The post, shared by the account behind the series, revealed the pair had taken part in what was described as a ‘fill the freezer hunt’, a term used to describe hunting trips focused on sourcing meat for consumption.
‘Shout the boys @mr_standinonbizzness and @ezra.mam from the @brisbanebroncos for coming out this weekend to experience a fill the freezer hunt Right through to processing and cooking,’ the post read.
‘Lead by @jackhpeacock this episode of Beyond The Shot is going to be a WILD ONE.’
The content was filmed under the direction of Jack Peacock, whose series aims to showcase the full journey from hunting through to preparing and eating the meat.
Brisbane Broncos stars Ezra Mam and Xavier Willison appear in hunting series showing full hunt-to-table experience away from rugby league spotlight
Social media post reveals players joined a ‘fill the freezer hunt’ involving hunting, processing and cooking meat
Footage shows full process from tracking animals through to preparing and cooking harvested meat
Footage from the trip is expected to include the entire process, from the initial hunt through to the final stages of processing and cooking, with the episode currently being edited ahead of release.
‘Check out the YouTube channel for Episode #ONE out now while this is in the chop shop by @trimedium1,’ the caption continued.
The production was supported by a vehicle sponsor, with thanks given to a local Mazda dealership for supplying transport used during the trip.
‘Thank you to the car man @ldc_01 @aspley.mazda For lending us the BT50 and helping make this happen And everyone else involved.’
Mam posted images to his social media saying it was a valuable experience to get away from the big smoke of Brisbane.
‘Disconnect to Reconnect. What an experience. Thanks Jack Peacock,’ he posted.
The trip came ahead of the Broncos 26-12 NRL derby win over the Dolphins on Friday night.
The Broncos had a turbulent week after defensive coach Ben Te’o resigned but they showed great defensive clout to repel the Dolphins.
Graphic post-hunt images emerge as part of behind-the-scenes look at the reality of hunting practices
Episode promises raw insight into hunting conditions, decisions and challenges faced during the trip
‘The boys had to dig pretty deep because they were coming hard and fast,’ Broncos coach Michael Maguire said.
‘But I know what’s inside the group. I was happy with the resilience.’
The Dolphins had tries disallowed to five-eighth Kodi Nikorima and second-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki for obstruction and a forward pass, respectively.
‘It was a tough game,’ Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said.
‘When we got our opportunities, we didn’t nail them.’
The derby threatened to erupt when Dolphins co-captain Tom Gilbert was ruled to have hit Walsh late and Broncos lock Pat Carrigan took exception.
From the resulting penalty Reynolds turned on the magic when he fooled the Dolphins defence with a crafty short grubber that he collected himself and darted over to score.
