Young playmaker Jock Madden will become Wests Tigers Player #244 after he was named by coach Michael Maguire to make his first-grade debut against the Newcastle Knights.
Having trained with the NRL squad as part of the top 30 this season, the 21-year-old Madden has been named on the bench for the Magic Round clash at Suncorp Stadium.
A Scone Thoroughbreds junior, Madden will become the third player to make their NRL debut under Maguire this year following Jake Simpkin and Zac Cini.
A former Australian Schoolboy and New South Wales junior representative, Madden joined Wests Tigers in 2019 on a development contract — featuring heavily for the club's Jersey Flegg and reserve grade sides.
He progressed into the first grade squad in 2021 and recently re-signed with the club until the end of the 2022 season.
Madden has been impressive for the Western Suburbs Magpies in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup this season, leading them to second on the ladder following nine rounds.
The halfback is yet to miss a game and has five tries and 33 goals to his name, to go with six forced dropouts and an average of 248 kicking metres.
“I’ve seen this club grow a lot since I’ve been here, and I feel like I’ve developed a lot as a player too. I’ve really enjoyed learning from the players here over the past two years and I’m looking forward to taking the next step in my career now at Wests Tigers,” Madden said.
“Everyone is really focused on achieving the same success here at Wests Tigers and I’m excited to play my part in helping bring that for our Members and fans.”
PLAYER PROFILE | |
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Date of Birth | 7th March, 2000 |
Junior Club | Scone Thoroughbreds |
Position | Halfback/Utility |
Height | 180cm |
Weight | 82kg |