After weeks of attention, the Wests Tigers look like theyโll be unable to retain the services of talented young half Jock Madden, with the 22-year-old reportedly ready to quit the club and seek opportunities elsewhere.
Madden has impressed since injuries to Luke Brooks and Jackson Hastings have made him a first-team regular, though heโs been unable to improve the teamโs fortunes as they prepare to receive the wooden spoon.
Off-contract at the end of the year, Madden has previously been linked to the Penrith Panthers and The Dolphins. But according to Wide World of Sportsโ The Mole, heโll definitely be at a new club next year after his intentions to quit were declared.
โThe Tigers just havenโt given him much of a chance and we feel heโll do better at another club,โ Maddenโs manager Gavin Orr told WWOS.
While Madden reminded everyone of his dynamic ball-running ability with a slashing solo try against the Dragons in Round 24, clubs may see his inconsistent defensive abilities as a deterrent, with the young half leading the Tigers in missed tackles during their last two outings.
Madden in open space! ๐ฅ#NRLTigersDragons pic.twitter.com/OESroqCMyZ
— NRL (@NRL) August 28, 2022
Despite the disappointment of losing a promising talent, incoming Tigers coach Tim Sheens was pragmatic in addressing the issue.
โHe can play and is a good kid, but we just donโt have the room for him in our 13,โ Sheens said.
โWe have other players with more experience who we have committed to.โ
A former Australian Schoolboys captain, Madden has been involved in every West Tigers win this year despite making just 13 appearances.
The Panthers are still believed to be the lead candidate for Maddenโs services as they seek a replacement for back-up half Sean OโSullivan, who departs for the Dolphins at seasonโs end.
Itโs not known, however, whether Madden would be happy to play the secondary role elsewhere, given his discontent with the Tigersโ current arrangement.
