Wests Tigers recruit Jock Madden has revealed that coach Benji Marshall was the main reason behind him re-joining the club as he looks to cement a regular spot in the first-grade team.
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One of six new signings made by the club, Madden makes his triumphant return to Concord after a three-year stint with the Brisbane Broncos in which he furthered his craft under Adam Reynolds and was a member of their premiership-winning squad in 2025.
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Speaking to foxsports.com.au, Madden, who was also linked with a move to the Rabbitohs, admitted that one of the main reasons to return to the Tigers was to play under Benji Marshall.
This comes after he was granted a mutual release by the Broncos, allowing him to leave the club before the end of his contract.
“Benji and my manager sort of had a bit of a discussion there, but there was a big drive factor from Benji and it’s really good to be back,” Madden told foxsports.com.au.
“He knows the game really well and he instils a lot of confidence in you as well. To be mentored by him and coached by him, I’m really looking forward to it and excited for it.
“When I first started here, he was still playing and he taught me a lot and showed me a lot about the game back then, too.”
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The playmaker confirmed there was also interest from overseas (in particular Hull FC), but decided against a move at this point of his career. Instead, the 25-year-old wants to lock down a regular spot in the NRL line-up and add to his 32 first-grade appearances.
“Overseas didn’t really drive me in this part of my career at the moment, so being back here is a really good opportunity,” he added.
“I want to be playing in week in, week out. I can control what I can do out in the training park at the moment here and want to put my best foot forward.
However, he will have to contend with NSW Blues representative Jarome Luai, Lebanon international Adam Doueihi, and young guns Latu Fainu and Javon Andrews.
Foxsports.com.au understands that Luai and Doueihi will start in the halves for their opening clash in Round 2. Meanwhile, Fainu has been training as the utility off the bench after returning from injury earlier than expected.
“We’re all really good mates and we all get along really well. When we go out in the training park, we all challenge each other and push ourselves for those high standards,” Madden added.
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