Brisbane recruit Jock Madden has revealed why he chose the Broncos over the Panthers and has set his sights on a starting role at Red Hill.
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MADDEN REVEALS REASONS FOR CHOOSING BRONCOS OVER PANTHERS
Brisbane recruit Jock Madden has revealed why he chose the Broncos over the Panthers and has set his sights on a starting role at Red Hill.
The former Tigers halfback was chased by the Panthers, before deciding to relocate to Brisbane and the Broncos’ legendary halves and Adam Reynolds played a big role in his decision.
“You have got Adam Reynolds up here and I can learn so much form him,” Madden said.
“I can push for a starting spot up here as well, so I came up here to play NRL and that’s what I want to continue to do.
“They have got so much history here at the club and they have players like Kevvie the coach, Alfie (Allan Langer), Ben Ikin and (Darren) Lockyer.
“I can learn from all those players as well. I just want to continue to grow my game from that.
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“That is one of the reasons I came up here. They have had so much success and those great players are still here at the club and if I can learn as much as I can from them as well as Adam I think it is just going to help my game.”
Madden won’t be playing No.7 at the Broncos unless injuries strike with club captain Reynolds ahead of him in the pecking order, but he still has his eyes on a starting role alongside his skipper.
“I played No.6 for the Tigers,” Madden said.
“My debut for the Tigers was at No.6.
“I see myself as a natural No.7, but I can play No.6 as well.
“But I’m happy to play No.14 if needed. Whatever role I can do for Kevvie that’s what I’ll do and just put the team first.”
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Madden revealed the toll of playing in an underperforming Tigers side had a silver lining in giving him a tough education of what is required to play NRL.
“It was tough not winning many NRL games at the Tigers,” Madden said.
“But for myself it was a good opportunity to be able to play a lot more first grade and be able to develop and grow my game in that sense. The mental side of things. The week in and week out I think that will help me along the way.”
Madden has dreams of one day wearing the famed Broncos’ No.7 jersey when Reynolds retires, but is trying not to look too far ahead.
“I’d like that, but my focus is purely on the moment and putting my best foot forward for this pre-season,” Madden said.
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“Just get as fit as I can and learn as much as I can and just continue to grow my game.
“I think playing NRL gives you the understanding of what it takes to play week in and week out.
“Just being around players at training each and every day and seeing how Adam Reynolds talks and communicates amongst the players, I think that is only going to help.”
The chance to work in the walls of one of the NRL’s most successful clubs was a powerful motivation for Madden in choosing Brisbane.
“This club is a powerful club and it has had so much success here, so when I did get the offer it was pretty hard to turn away,” Madden said.
“I was excited to come up and play with all these great players here and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead.”
