Sunday Sesh: Broncos halfback Jock Madden tapped for Ben Hunt

The first casualty of Ben Hunt’s return to Brisbane has been revealed, with a star Broncos playmaker given permission to negotiate with rival clubs.

Jock Madden is set to be the unlucky player squeezed out by Ben Hunt’s arrival in Brisbane with the half granted permission to talk with rival clubs.

The Broncos salary cap is starting to bite given Hunt’s $600,000 two year deal and the money they have now invested in the halves.

A host of clubs in the NRL have been asked if they would be interested in Madden’s services in recent days while the Super League could also be an attraction for Madden.

He would thrive in the Super League.

Jock Madden is the first casualty of the Ben Hunt signing, with the Broncos halfback told he is free to look elsewhere. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Madden has been told he is free to leave the club despite being contracted until the end of 2026 after the Broncos enticed Hunt back to the club.

With Hunt’s signature the Broncos have a stack of halves on their books taking up significant salary cap space including skipper Adam Reynolds.

Ezra Mam is still contracted despite facing a lengthy ban for a serious off-field driving offence while Josh Rogers and rising star Coby Black are also in Brisbane’s top 30.

Billy Walters can also play in the halves as well as hooker.

Hunt’s return to Brisbane means there is a glut of halves at the club, with Madden the first player tapped on the shoulder. Picture: NRL Images

Hunt and Reynolds are expected to start in the halves for Brisbane in round one with Mam suspended. Hunt may then shift to dummy half when Mam is eventually available.

Madden has been a reliable first grader since the 24-year-old made his debut under new Broncos coach Michael Maguire at the Tigers.

He joined the Broncos last year and has played 15 top grade games for the club.

Madden inked a contract extension with the Broncos last year.

Originally published as Sunday Sesh: Broncos halfback Jock Madden tapped for Ben Hunt