Wests Tigers want to keep Jock Madden as agent talks up potential Dolphins switch
Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire says he wants to keep hold of Jock Madden after the playmaker’s agent touted him for a potential move to the Dolphins.
Madden has shown plenty of potential since making his debut last season. However first-grade opportunities have been few and far between and there is talk of him moving on.
The Dolphins are in the hunt for halves ahead of the 2023 NRL season and Madden could be an option. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph Madden’s agent Chris Orr says his client would consider such a move.
Madden on Dolphins radar
The 22-year-old is desperate to play regular first-grade footy and maybe Wayne Bennett could offer it.
“He would certainly consider a move to Queensland if the Dolphins were keen,” Orr told the publication. “Jock just needs a team to give him the Number 7 jersey. Now whether that’s going to be the Wests Tigers in due course or someone else, he needs a chance to be the seven and run a team. That’s what he wants to do.
“Jock would stay at the Tigers depending on where the club sees him. Do they see him as a fill-in at halfback or do they see him as the long-term solution at No.7? If that’s not the case, then Jock will be looking at a club that wants a genuine starting halfback.”
The Tigers are well blessed for halves, hence why Madden’s opportunities are limited. Maguire has Jackson Hastings, Luke Brooks and Adam Doueihi.
Brooks and Doueihi are both injured at the moment and Madden got the chance to shine against the Bulldogs on Friday night. He did not disappoint in the 36-22 win either.
Wests Tigers have a decision to make
Maguire was glowing in his praise after the game and is not surprised to hear of the interest. It remains to be seen if the Tigers can give Madden what he wants. But Maguire is keen to keep him.
“I’m sure when you perform like that a lot of people are looking at you,” he said after the game. “I really enjoy coaching Jock, he’s doing a really good job for us so I’m sure all that will sort itself out.
“I definitely want to keep him, he’s a good player. He’s the style of player that I like, he’s very thorough in his game.”
Madden now just needs to keep performing while Brooks is out of the side. But with Doueihi also closing on a return his long-term prospects do not look great.
