Rookie Jock Madden keen to replace Benji Marshall and wear his famous No. 6 jersey at Wests Tigers

Jock Madden has declared he is the man to take on the task of replacing Tigers legend Benji Marshall. Hear first-hand from the 20-year-old rookie.

West Tigers player Jock Madden is ready to step up in 2021. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Jock Madden did not know whether to ask Benji Marshall for an autograph when the pair first crossed paths.

Now, he is the frontrunner to be the first player to wear the No. 6 jersey since Marshall’s off-season departure to South Sydney.

“When I first came here I couldn’t believe it that I was at the club and training every day with a player of Benji’s calibre,” Madden said.

“It took me about a month to realise I was training with him.”

Like a host of fellow fringe players, Madden played just one game last season before the lower-grades were halted because of COVID.

Madden spent that time shadowing Marshall and fellow veteran Josh Reynolds.

“I had to be positive so I could learn and grow my game,” Madden said.

“I watched how they prepared for games instead of being down in the dumps.

“They helped me with things like going square at a player and my kicking placement.”

West Tigers young gun Jock Madden is eyeing Benji Marshall’s No. 6 jersey. Photo Jeremy Piper

With Marshall and Reynolds no longer at the club, the race has been on to partner Luke Brooks in the halves.

Adam Doueihi is suspended for the opening game, leaving Madden on the cusp of an NRL debut should coach Michael Maguire opt for the youngster ahead of Moses Mbye.

Madden impressed during his two pre-season hit-outs.

“I feel like I’m ready,” Madden said.

“I’ve had a strong pre-season.

“I have a strong kicking game plus my game management. I’m hoping.

“Every kid wants to debut. I wanted to have a hard pre-season and knock those trials out of the way.”

The Scone Thoroughbreads junior was in Newcastle’s system before linking up with the Tigers in 2019 on a development contract.

He was given a top 30 roster spot this year and extended his deal with the club until the end of 2022.

Standing at just 180 centimetres tall, the 20-year-old is the same height as Brooks.

Benji Marshall has left the Tigers and joined the Rabbitohs. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Doueihi will miss the match against Canberra next Sunday but is expected to slot into the halves for their round two match against the Roosters.

Doueihi said he would give his teammate a helping hand as he prepares to square off against Dally M medallist Jack Wighton.

“He is more of a halfback,” Doueihi said.

“He has worked pretty hard. He is still a young kid. I remember when I made my debut, I was all over the shop and just wanted to play.

“If he does get the nod I will try and calm him down as much as possible. That’s what he needs. He needs a bit of confidence.”