Madden’s first audition for Broncos gig post-Reynolds

Joel Gould | April 27, 2023

Brisbane playmaker Jock Madden can’t wait for the first chance to audition for his long-term goal of succeeding Adam Reynolds when he makes his NRL club debut against South Sydney.

Former Wests Tigers half Madden is signed until the end of 2024, the same year Reynolds comes off contract.

He was recruited by the Broncos as a back-up No.6 or No.7, but the club regard him as a genuine halfback.

Reynolds may yet play on beyond his current deal but whether he does or doesn’t, Madden’s next 18 months at Red Hill is an audition for a new deal.

Madden was emphatic when asked if he wanted to succeed Reynolds.

“Definitely. I would love to stay here,” he said.

“The support is unreal, the history of this club is unbelievable and to be able to stay here long term is a goal of mine.

“I want to be playing first grade week in, week out but I have to stay patient, keep learning, keep growing my game and my time will come.

“You have to talk to people as well. It doesn’t all come overnight. You have to keep working on your game.”

Madden, 23, has impressed coach Kevin Walters in the trials and at training. The coach said he had been outstanding in the Queensland Cup while biding his time.

With regular No.6 Ezra Mam suspended, Madden has Walters’ full backing to do the job for the competition leaders at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, and long-term.

“I can certainly see him being a regular player here (in the future) and even this year,” Walters said.

“He has got great skills, is very tough, has good speed and kicks the ball well. He will need to tackle well tomorrow night.

“He’s a typical halfback. Cheeky. Likeable, but loves playing the game. Tomorrow night is game time for him and I am really thrilled that it is the first time he is wearing a Broncos jersey in an NRL fixture.”

The former Australian Schoolboys captain came to Brisbane to learn from Walters, Allan Langer and Reynolds about halfback play.

“They have done everything in the game and my time here will allow me to grow my game,” Madden said.

“I am really excited to play with Reyno.

“He can steer a team around. If he is doing that, it allows me to play eyes up football and run the ball.

“I spoke to Kevvie and he kept saying just stay patient. He said, ‘Your time will come’ and here it is now.

“I am really looking forward to the occasion, the fans will come out and I hope to make them proud.”

The Broncos will be without Mam, suspended prop Payne Haas and injured winger Corey Oates.

Jesse Arthars will start on the wing and Keenan Palasia has earned a recall to begin in place of Haas.