Tigers rookie halfback Jock Madden wants to bring the Cooper Cronk factor to Concord

He’s been likened to Cooper Cronk and now this rookie Tiger is set to earn a chance to make his own mark in the NRL.

Wests Tigers playmaker Jock Madden.

Wests Tigers rookie halfback Jock Madden doesn’t need any time to think when asked which playmakers he loved watching most and have had the biggest influence on his game.

“Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston,” the former NSW Blues under-18s five-eighth quickly responds.

“It hurt watching them at Origin level but definitely at club level they really showed up for their sides and would rise on the big occasions.

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“They loved the pressure of the game, they always dominated the game.

“When it was neck-and-neck they could come up with the big play and would win the game for their sides.”

Wests Tigers youngster Jock Madden during training. Picture: Supplied by Wests Tigers

Madden, a KFC SuperCoach cheapie, is hoping the endless hours spent analysing the premiership-winning halfbacks will help edge him closer to a starting place in coach Michael Maguire’s side in 2021.

With Benji Marshall not re-signed and Josh Reynolds released to Hull FC in the English Super League, Maguire has indicated Adam Doueihi and Luke Brooks are his first choice halves.

But Madden has an opportunity to push for a starting spot in round one against Canberra on March 14 with five-eighth Doueihi serving a one-game suspension for a shoulder charge from last season.

Madden is determined to be a regular starter for the Tigers.

“That’s a massive goal of mine and I’d really love to see the club make the finals this year and be part of that too,” Madden said.

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“But it’s still pretty early, there are a lot of players there, you have Adam Doueihi and Billy Walters, who’s injured at the moment but I’m sure he’ll be back for the start of the season. “All of those players have done a lot in the game already.”

Madden likens his style of play to that of Cronk, with strong organisational skills and highly developed short-kicking game.

Luke Brooks believes Jock Madden is ready for the NRL.

Brooks said that Madden, 20, was ready for the rigours of the NRL.

“He’s got great game management, kicking game and he runs the ball. He’s really tough too. A couple of the big boys get into him at training and knock him around and he always gets back up,” Brooks said.

“Jock is going really well, he’s a great player. He didn’t get to play any footy last year because reserve grade was cancelled so I know he’s itching to get out there.”

The halves puzzle at the Sydney Roosters is a little less clear than at Concord with a slew of young playermakers vying for a place alongside Luke Keary after halfback Kyle Flanagan was released to join Canterbury.

Sam Walker, 18, another of our KFC SuperCoach cheapie prospects, is in a four-way battle with Lachlan Lam, Drew Hutchison and new signing Adam Keighran for a starting spot.

Sam Walker during Roosters training. Source: Roosters Digital

Walker, the son of former Brisbane half Ben Walker, has been described as a teen prodigy known for his acceleration, footwork and game management skills.

“We’ve got a massive halfback stock, we’ve got Sam Walker, Lachie Lam and Drew Hutchison, who are all super capable guys,” Sydney Roosters backrower Angus Crichton said.

“I’d back any of those boys in that position to take that six or seven role depending on where Keary plays.

“I’ve played alongside the older boys Drew and Lamie but I’ve trained alongside Sammy and he’s super impressive so I have complete faith in however they choose to fill that spot.”

PREDICTED TEAM (full round one teams here)

1 Paul Momirovski 2 David Nofoaluma 3 Joey Leilua 4 James Roberts 5 Tommy Talau 6 Moses Mbye/Jock Madden 7 Luke Brooks 8 Joe Ofahengaue 9 Jacob Liddle 10 James Tamou 11 Shawn Blore 12 Luciano Leilua 13 Alex Twal 14 Michael Chee-Kam 15 Luke Garner 16 Thomas Mikaele 17 Stefano Utoikamanu

Originally published as Tigers rookie halfback Jock Madden wants to bring the Cooper Cronk factor to Concord