OFFICIAL Jock Madden #244

[Mighty_Tiger]

I must be watching a different game. Jock has straightened our attack a number of times that's comparable to how Adam Reynolds does it. He hasn't done it enough, and needs to implement that more, however he has done it a number of times. As far as being no threat, his running game looks much sharper then anticipated. Steps off both feet, and is quick off the mark. He looked likely a few times taking the line on.

So I guess I disagree a fair bit.

100% our attack was far more direct when Jock was in charge it also looked more co-ordinated to the wider men. When Brooks was leading it we just looked totally lost unless he was up for a blindside play.

Jock looked to play eyes up footy, Brooks is in a massive rut and playing game plan football but without actually driving the play when an opportunity arises.

 

[Lukic]

He played pretty well. Not crowning him, but was a level above Brooks (doesn't mean much) and pretty good for a younger, inexperienced bloke.

The Titans have a pack with plenty of representative level players and yet we held our own in the field position battle. Madden's organisational play was a big part of it. You could see him standing in at first-receiver a lot and calling the plays to help structure our sets. Having a halfback that can do this makes a huge difference and goes to show how the success of your forward pack is as much about the quality of the players steering them around the pitch as it is the forwards themselves. There's a reason why teams like the Storm, Roosters, Souths, Penrith can chuck half a reserve grade pack out onto the field and still win the field position battle. It's why I hate all the completely insane comments people defend Brooks with blaming our pack or the forwards for his failures when the truth is, his failures as a halfback are why we would always get destroyed in the field position battle.

I don't think Madden will ever be one of the league's great halves. He doesn't have game-breaking speed, strength or running-ability generally. His boot is ok and it looks like he can create overlaps and put people through gaps. I think he projects as someone who could be a decent enough first grader, especially if paired with an FB and 5/8th who can create points. Laurie (if he gets back into form) and Doueihi actually fit reasonably well with him I think, but I wouldn't play him ahead of Hastings as I'd really like to see Hastings/Doueihi have a good go of it first.

End of the day, he's certainly worth offering an extension. You could do a lot worse than him as your back-up halfback, and I think he's definitely good enough to win footy games with in an organising halfback role.

 

[Roar_Power]

I think Madden has really stepped up this year…and I didn’t think he had it in him. Looked really good in the Roosters trial and his short and long kicking are strengths. Could be the long term saviour but I’ll reserve judgment to mid year.

 

[Madge]

On a similar trajectory to Tom Dearden. Make of that what you will. They play a very similar style. We're a regular pairing together for the schoolboys for a couple of years.

 

[jirskyr]

I must be watching a different game. Jock has straightened our attack a number of times that's comparable to how Adam Reynolds does it.

We certainly must be watching something different. He does not engage the line like Adam Reynolds does, and he usually runs the diagonal, which cramps the space for his backs.

It's not diabolical like he's running across field, he just doesn't straighten up and engage the line. It was clunky AF on Thursday, both sides really, but at least in my eyes Brooks was giving early left-side ball, or straightening the left-side play, until Kelma went off.

I couldn't be bothered posting clips to try and prove a point, and there won't be anything to see in the highlights... I'm not watching the match again!

 

[Dene1983]

Madden should be clearly pushing himself in to replace Brooks, because Brooks has had 150 lives and nobody will shed a tear if he's dropped.

GNR4LIFE would shed a tear

 

[king_sirro]

We certainly must be watching something different. He does not engage the line like Adam Reynolds does, and he usually runs the diagonal, which cramps the space for his backs.

It's not diabolical like he's running across field, he just doesn't straighten up and engage the line. It was clunky AF on Thursday, both sides really, but at least in my eyes Brooks was giving early left-side ball, or straightening the left-side play, until Kelma went off.

I couldn't be bothered posting clips to try and prove a point, and there won't be anything to see in the highlights... I'm not watching the match again!

Don't blame you not watching the game again. He did cramp across sideways sometimes, probably more often then not.

The point I'm making as he has squared his shoulders a few times, (noticed last year against Penrith in particular after he hadn't played for 2 months due to covid), and opened up space for the outside a little like Reynolds does. Definitely a work in progress and needs to do that more often, but it's a trait that can be hard to coach for some reason, and he can do it, which is a good start.

He won't be a rep level half, but I think he can become quite a good role player and manage our games.

 

[Geo]

You are right but it's the biggest area that needs fixing. Our forwards and backs are serviceable.

Imagine swapping Melbourne's, Souths, Penrith's Cronulla's spine with ours. Is there a worse spine in the comp than ours ?

Reports from yesterday’s games suggest the Donkeys .. at least we scored 12 against those stinky Warriors

 

[TCL]

Reports from yesterday’s games suggest the Donkeys .. at least we scored 12 against those stinky Warriors

Could have scored more if wasn’t for brooks

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Could have scored more if wasn’t for Laurie

Fixed

 

[TCL]

Fixed

Nah brooks could have chased his own kick made sure Laurie had firm possession and assisted him to the ground. He should have also dropped to the ground crossed his arms and legs and said to the ref we are not going to play until you send the LL try to video ref.

 

[earl]

He won't be a rep level half, but I think he can become quite a good role player and manage our games.

Maybe. We will have to see how he progresses. You'd keep him in the squad for sure though.

 

[BAGNF05]

Reports from yesterday’s games suggest the Donkeys .. at least we scored 12 against those stinky Warriors

Adam Reynolds looks a lot like Luke Brooks surrounded by a lot of young guys who haven’t learned the fundamentals.

 

[clokan]

I'm hoping Hastings goes to lock on his return and we persist a bit with Brooks and Madden in the halves.

 

[TigerLouis]

Madden is not a first grader we need to aim higher for such an important position why not go after Aiden Sezer who I’m sure would have a clause in his contract to come back to the NRL if a club is keen he is also a great goal kicker which we also need.

 

[TieDye]

Madden is not a first grader we need to aim higher for such an important position why not go after Aiden Sezer who I’m sure would have a clause in his contract to come back to the NRL if a club is keen he is also a great goal kicker which we also need.

You’re taking the mick.

 

[TigerLouis]

Mate the only joke is how people like u think he could be our halfback saviour

 

[TCL]

Our half’s aren’t the problem. that applies to brooks,madden, Hastings, ad or who ever we get.

 

[Cobarcats]

Madden is not a first grader we need to aim higher for such an important position why not go after Aiden Sezer who I’m sure would have a clause in his contract to come back to the NRL if a club is keen he is also a great goal kicker which we also need.

I think that's a bit harsh.
Mads is certainly learning his trade and still a baby, hasn't played as much football as most good nrl ½ backs.
Good halves don't play like champs until they've got the experience, look at Thurston and Cronk.
Young ½ backs form are like yo-yos until they have the smarts.
He is a good understudy at the moment. Lets not let him go to another club who will reap the rewards later on.

 

[Alex Seyfarth's #1 Fan]

Madden is not a first grader we need to aim higher for such an important position why not go after Aiden Sezer who I’m sure would have a clause in his contract to come back to the NRL if a club is keen he is also a great goal kicker which we also need.

Halves don't grow on trees. If there is a good one out there someone already has their hands on him. You have to nab them young and work on them for a long time.