NRL Market Watch: Jock Madden signs new Broncos deal as $6 million retention drive continues

The Dragons and Tigers had shown interest in Jock Madden but the Broncos have moved quickly to scupper any poaching threat.

Jock Madden of the Broncos. Picture: Getty Images

The Broncos have continued their aggressive $6 million retention drive by securing Jock Madden to a new deal as part of Brisbane’s succession plan for life after Adam Reynolds.

This masthead can reveal rising playmaker Madden has agreed terms on a two-year extension in another retention boost for the Broncos as they put together a roster capable of breaking their 17-year title drought.

The Dragons and Tigers had shown interest in Madden, who was a free agent from November 1, but the Broncos moved quickly to scupper any poaching threat.

Madden is the 13th player to either re-sign or join the Broncos in the past 12 months, with Brisbane’s recruitment-and-retention committee leaving no stone unturned in the quest to deliver the club’s first premiership since 2006.

First-choice halfback Reynolds was expected to retire at the end of next season, but the Broncos will extend their skipper for 2025 in the wake of his sizzling form this year.

Seeking stability at the scrumbase, the Broncos will open talks to upgrade boom five-eighth Ezra Mam beyond 2024, while emerging playmaker Madden has been locked in until the end of 2026.

Jock Madden is staying in Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

Capable of playing five-eighth or halfback, Madden was already contracted for next year, but the two-year extension gives him a chance to potentially succeed Reynolds in the No.7 jumper.

The 23-year-old has proved a handy back-up since joining Brisbane from Wests Tigers this season and was outstanding filling in for the injured Reynolds in last week’s 30-14 derby drubbing of the Cowboys in Townsville.

Madden said the opportunity to be mentored by Reynolds, coach Kevin Walters and assistant Allan Langer - Brisbane’s greatest halfback - was a key factor in his decision to stay loyal.

“My intentions coming here to the Broncos was to establish myself and see out my career in the Broncos’ No.7 jersey,” Madden said.

“The learnings and support I have from ‘Reyno’, ‘Kevvie’ and Lee Briers (Broncos assistant coach) has been enormous and give me confidence in my own game.

“Reyno is a champion, he is always open to helping improve my game.

“The club, staff and playing group have created such a positive environment, I couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else.”

The retention of Madden is another boon for a Broncos club that has upgraded Pat Carrigan, Selwyn Cobbo, Jesse Arthars, Kobe Hetherington, Deine Mariner, Cory Paix, Corey Jensen and Tristan Sailor.

Roosters prop Fletcher Baker will join the club next season, while superstar fullback Reece Walsh is set for a mega upgrade after his brilliant return to Red Hill from the Warriors.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters is a huge fan of Madden and is confident Brisbane bosses can make clever strategic calls under the salary cap to keep a winning squad together.

The Broncos are pumped with the signing of Madden. Picture: Getty Images

“Jock has been great for us since coming here,” he said.

“He has been sitting here patiently, but his form in the Queensland Cup has been outstanding and he’s got a great attitude.

“It is very difficult to manage the salary cap and that is one of the toughest parts of our game, particularly here at the Broncos where we have so much talent coming through.

“It is about making the right decisions on players.

“That (salary-cap management) is a tough one but we’ve got to get it right otherwise we start to fall away.”

Madden’s manager Chris Orr said the former Australian Schoolboys star, who has played 20 NRL games, is relishing his apprenticeship at the Broncos.

“Jock is a tremendously talented halfback,” said Orr of PSM.

“Within the right environment, which he has at the Broncos, I can see him having a long-term career.

“Kevvie has been terrific for Jock, as has assistant coach Lee Briers and Adam Reynolds.

“Jock is a great young man and a very good footballer, which is why the club was keen to secure his future.

“He fits the culture they are building at the Broncos.”