Jock Madden could be set to stay in the NRL despite reportedly being offered to Super League clubs ahead of the 2025 Super League season. The Brisbane Broncos man faces an uncertain future at Suncorp Stadium, with the half-back falling down the pecking order following the signing of Ben Hunt.
A switch to Super League has been mentioned as a possibility, but according to The Mole, he might still have options Down Under. The report claims Madden’s agent has made plans to contact Wayne Bennett, who has taken charge at South Sydney Rabbitohs over the off-season.
Souths are preparing to go into the new NRL season with ex-St Helens scrum-half Lewis Dodd and Cody Walker in the pivots. However, there isn’t too much depth in the half-backs and the club don’t have a recognised alternative should Dodd struggle to make the jump up from Super League to NRL.
As such, Madden’s agent is targeting Souths as a possible landing spot for the 24-year-old, with the report suggesting the Broncos would be willing to pay a chunk of salary in 2025.
Madden started his career with Wests Tigers but made the move to Brisbane for the 2023 season. He made 10 appearances for the Broncos last time around, often alongside former Souths man Adam Reynolds, touching down for two tries and setting up five more. He helped the club win four of his first five games in the side, too.
Ultimately, if a move to Souths doesn’t materialise, a move to Super League might make sense, but just three clubs still having space for an overseas signing. Huddersfield Giants have one spot open but appear full up in the spine, while Catalans Dragons are yet to confirm Reimis Smith’s situation.
A move to Leigh Leopards might just fit the bill, though. The club have space for a foreign signing and they are thought to have asked about the availability of Salford Red Devils’ Marc Sneyd recently, suggesting they could be on the lookout for a new number seven.
