NRL Succession: Jock Madden puts hand up for Broncos No.7, Jonah Glover impresses in halfback for Dragons

Adam Reynolds’ replacement hiding in plain sight, a former Eels hooking dominating his first game in six months, plus a Dragons halfback catching eyes in the NSW Cup. See all the lower grade standouts in NRL Succession.

A former Parramatta hooker who dominated his first game in six months, St George Illawarra’s halves solution sorted, Adam Reynolds’ replacement hiding in plain sight, and a Dolphin whose positional change could land him in the NRL.

These were some of the standouts in a big round of lower grade action across NSW and Queensland last weekend.

SHARKS RECRUIT DOMINATES

Jai Camilleri once sparked a tug of war between the NFL and Parramatta before the Eels lost one of the best rising stars coming through the lower grades to the Sharks.

A late addition to Cronulla’s Jersey Flegg (under-21s) side, Camilleri slotted into a vacant hooker spot left by Taj Brailey, brother of NRL stars Jayden and Blayke.

Camilleri’s class was on full display for the Sharks, winning the game for Cronulla and knocking off the undefeated Raiders in Canberra.

The Sharks new recruit tore Canberra to shreds in the final 20 minutes of the match, throwing a dummy close to the line and barging over in the 60th minute for his first try, before an incredible 25-metre solo-effort to ice the game.

Already representing Malta on an international stage, Camilleri’s style has developed playing against men, sharing many similarities to Melbourne hooker Harry Grant.

DRAGONS HALF STARS

Jonah Glover was brought to the Dragons as a utility after his impressive role in Canterbury’s 2023 Jersey Flegg premiership-winning side. Since then he has transformed into a bright young half, who is desperate for time in the top grade.

After another lacklustre Lachlan Ilias and Kyle Flanagan combination, which led to the Dragons handing the Eels their first win of the year, many think it is time for a change at the top.

Just hours before what many Dragons will consider a horror show, the 22-year-old Glover showed his class.

Glover did everything he could to drag his side over the line, scoring a try to go with 155 running metres, three try assists and two line breaks.

Compared to his first grade counterpart Ilias who ran for a combined 100 metres, 0 try assists or line breaks.

Jonah Glover. Picture: NRL Photos

BRONCO STEPS UP

Forgotten Broncos halfback Jock Madden has put his hand up to slot into the Broncos’ No. 7 jersey if needed.

Madden had an impressive game for Wynnum Manly in the Queensland Cup, kicking nine out of nine conversions and scoring a try in their 54-20 win against Souths Logan Magpies at Kougari Oval on Sunday.

Madden looked sharp against quality opposition, with the likes of Anthony Milford, Broncos whiz kid halfback Coby Black, Martin Taupau, Ben Te Kura, Blake Mozer and Tyson Smoothy all lining up for Souths Logan.

At Redcliffe, young Dolphins gun James Walsh shifted from the back-row to the centres for the clash with the Western Clydesdales in the hope of making his NRL debut in 2025.

Walsh scored a try and ran for over 110 metres in the 34-10 win and he also set up winger Junior Tupou for two tries.

Jock Madden in action for Wynnum Manly. Picture: NRL Photos

ARTHUR FINDING HIS FEET

Manly halfback Jake Arthur starred in his side’s 52-26 NSW Cup win over Western Suburbs at 4 Pines Park on Sunday.

The 22-year-old jagged four try assists, while halves partner Brandon Wakeham slotted eight from nine goals.

Manly's Jake Arthur carving up the Magpies. Pic: NRL

MOONEY TOO GOOD FOR CUP

Canberra’s incredible forward depth is proving insurmountable, as Trey Mooney continued to prove he’s too good for reserve grade.

Prop Mooney finished the Raiders’ 42-14 win over Newtown at Belconnen on Saturday with 159 run metres, nine tackle-breaks and 67 post contact metres.

Originally published as NRL Succession: Jock Madden puts hand up for Broncos No.7, Jonah Glover impresses in halfback for Dragons