Tasked with taking over the reins for the injury-hit Broncos, understudy Jock Madden is ready to make the most of his first opportunity at a consistent NRL starting spot.
Since making his debut for Wests Tigers in 2021, Madden has never strung together more than five consecutive NRL games.
But after coach Kevin Walters turned to the 24-year-old to fill the void left by injured skipper Adam Reynolds, he delivered in spades, slotting a field goal to ice a heart-stopping Magic Round victory over Manly.
“I’ve always wanted to play NRL so to play consistent, week in and week out and build combinations with the players, it’s going to help my game a lot and I’m excited for it,” Madden said.
“Reyno encourages me to play my brand of footy and always picks out little things for my game that I took into this week – things that I can improve on and things that I can continue to do as well.
Jock Madden gives Broncos the lead
“He’s always great and always helps me with my game, particularly when I’m at training as well.”
Coach Walters, meanwhile, has every confidence Madden is the man to keep Brisbane’s premiership hopes alive while Reynolds races the clock to recover from a pec injury before the end of the season.
Madden has done a fine job filling in for the Broncos since joining the squad in 2023 but Walters believes an extended opportunity in first grade will come as blessing for both the deputy playmaker and the club.
