By Nick Wright
Jock Madden has announced his credentials as a potential successor to Adam Reynolds in the Brisbane Broncos No.7 jumper, at last turning his Queensland Cup form into a breakout NRL performance.
Contracted until the end of 2024, the 23-year-old halfback had yet to win a game from two attempts in the maroon and yellow jersey, but in Saturday’s 40-12 triumph over the North Queensland Cowboys, he produced one of the finest efforts of his fledgling first-grade career.
Jock Madden looms as the long-term replacement for captain Adam Reynolds.Credit: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
Madden’s floating cut-out pass to Herbie Farnworth orchestrated the opening points through winger Jesse Arthars, while his deft short ball put Pat Carrigan through a gaping hole to give Ezra Mam another four-pointer.
Having dominated in the second-tier competition for both Norths Devils and the Wynnum Manly Seagulls – credited for 11 try assists and nine line-break assists in nine games – the former Wests Tiger looms as the long-term replacement for captain Reynolds, who missed the North Queensland clash with a minor groin concern.
While the Broncos are reportedly in the midst of extending Reynolds’ career into 2025, Madden’s exploits might have put him at the forefront of the club’s plans.
“He’s one of those blokes who trains so hard and puts in so much effort,” Broncos forward Kurt Capewell said.
“Everyone loves him off the field as well, so it was good to see him get that opportunity on the weekend and take it with both hands.
“I’m not the coach and I don’t think about that too much [whether Madden is the successor for Reynolds], but he definitely put his best foot forward on the weekend and he does that every day at training too.
“He’s probably one of our best at training, he’s a great player in his own right and with or without Reyno at the club I’m sure he’d be a great asset to have here.”
Walters might be forced to call on his Queensland Cup reserves yet again against the Parramatta Eels on Friday night, after Arthars and Farnworth both failed to finish the battle in Townsville.
Jesse Arthars failed to see out the match in Townsville, and is touch and go to face the Eels.Credit: Getty
Farnworth was seen with ice on his knee, while Arthars failed his HIA assessment and will be touch and go to return in time for The Gabba spectacle.
Rookie Deine Mariner was seen training on the left wing on Tuesday in Arthars’ place, while Farnworth still trained with the main side in a telling sign of his Friday night hopes.
“It’s just a bump to his knee, we feel; I’m a bit more worried about his head cut with his good looks, Herbie,” Brisbane coach Kevin Walters said. “He’ll be fine for next week.
“Jesse is not quite so good. We’ll have to let the medical staff look after him and see where he ends up for next week.
Herbie Farnworth was seen with ice on his knee, but could be good to go for Friday.Credit: Getty
“We’ve got a shorter turnaround too, so it might make it a bit difficult for him.”
A key factor in the Broncos surge towards the top of the ladder has been the depth they have relied on, with Capewell declaring every member of their extended squad was capable of donning an NRL jumper.
We break down the Queensland Cup giants, the players thriving and honing their craft in the second-tier competition.