NRL 2024: Broncos playmaker Jock Madden in fight to replace halfback Adam Reynolds in No. 7 jersey

The Broncos boast one of Australia’s top schoolboy stars on their roster, but a back-up playmaker insists he is the man to succeed star halfback Adam Reynolds.

Coby Black. Picture: Richard Walker

Broncos playmaker Jock Madden insists he is the man to succeed Adam Reynolds in Brisbane’s No. 7 jersey instead of boom schoolboys star Coby Black.

Madden will confront former club Wests on Saturday night in Campbelltown following revelations new Tigers coach Benji Marshall tried to lure him back to Concord.

It will be Madden’s third straight game for the Broncos, his longest run of consecutive NRL matches since joining Brisbane last year.

Madden, 24, left the Tigers after the 2022 season for the opportunity to be groomed by Reynolds at Red Hill, in the hope he would be Brisbane’s next long-term halfback.

However Black is also in the mix for the No. 7 jersey after graduating from school last year and being rushed into Brisbane’s full-time squad to begin his transition to the NRL.

With Reynolds set to retire at the end of 2025, the prestigious Broncos halfback duties are up for grabs and Madden believes he is the one to take on Brisbane’s top playmaking role.

Jock Madden wants to be Brisbane’s next No. 7. Picture: Liam Kidston

“That’s the plan, that’s why I re-signed (until 2026),” he said.

“One hundred per cent (I’m confident I can do the job). I came up here for a reason, for an opportunity.

“I want to learn as much as I can from ‘Reyno’ and take that spot after (he’s retired).

“I feel like I can do that and my strengths can help Ezra (Mam) and (Reece Walsh) as well.

“I think we can build for something really strong over the years ahead.”

The Broncos’ No. 7 jersey has been a poisoned chalice over the years since Allan Langer’s dominance in the 1990s.

Former NSW Origin halfback Peter Wallace made a fist of it for a few years before Ben Hunt took over in the run to the 2015 grand final and Reynolds is the only player to look comfortable there since.

The Broncos have high hopes for Black, but he is still at least a year away from being ready for consistent NRL and Madden has an opportunity to show why he should be Reynolds’ successor.

“I’m really enjoying my time playing first grade,” Madden said as he prepares to partner Reynolds against the Tigers.

“You obviously want that consistency (of playing regular NRL) but you’ve got to control what you can control. What I can do is make sure I prepare well each week and if my opportunity comes I know I’ve done the work and am ready to go.

“I knew from that first time (I met Reynolds) he was willing to teach me and he hasn’t stopped since.

“We sit down and he goes over clips with me. He asks me questions about how I can improve my game and tells me where I can improve as well.

“He’s been a great mentor for me.”

New Tigers coach Benji Marshall attempted to get Madden back. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

While Madden has made a fist of limited opportunities at Red Hill, the Tigers attempted to get him back to the club he played 17 NRL games for from 2021-22.

Upon taking over the club late last year, Marshall made enquiries about bringing Madden back to the Tigers.

“The Tigers initially wanted to keep him, but they were hesitating on a contract offer and there was a better opportunity for Jock to come up to the Broncos and learn from Reynolds and be part of the succession plan,” said Madden’s manager, Chris Orr.

“When Benji got back in, they did come chasing him again. There was a bit of interest from the Tigers and Penrith, but he stuck solid with the Broncos and he agreed to a contract extension. He is very happy.

“Jock can absolutely be the successor to Reynolds. He showed the last few weeks he is a genuine NRL playmaker.

“It’s tough when you are trying to build momentum and you are in and out of the team every few weeks.

“At the moment he’s like the fill-in teacher at school, but if he gets his chance full-time, he won’t let the Broncos down.”