Jock Madden Opens Up on Wests Tigers Homecoming and Benji Marshall's Influence

February 13th, 2026

Wests Tigers have welcomed a familiar face back to Concord Oval with the signing of Jock Madden, who has revealed that the guiding hand of coach Benji Marshall was the pivotal factor in his decision to return to the club. Madden, one of six new recruits for the Tigers in 2026, makes his triumphant return after a three-year spell with the Brisbane Broncos, where he honed his skills under the tutelage of Adam Reynolds and was part of their triumphant 2025 NRL premiership-winning squad.

A Calculated Return to Concord

Madden's move back to the Wests Tigers signals a significant shift in his NRL career. After a successful period in Brisbane, which included the ultimate prize of a premiership, the 25-year-old playmaker was granted a mutual release by the Broncos, allowing him to explore his options. Speaking exclusively to foxsports.com.au, Madden admitted that the allure of playing under Benji Marshall was a significant draw, outweighing even lucrative offers from overseas.

“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.”

This sentiment highlights the deep respect Madden holds for Marshall, his former teammate and now coach. The opportunity to learn from and be guided by a club legend, particularly one who understands the nuances of the playmaker role, appears to be a primary motivator for Madden as he aims to cement a regular spot in the NRL first-grade team.

Rejecting Overseas Opportunities for NRL Ambition

The lure of international rugby league is often a significant consideration for players at various stages of their careers. However, for Madden, the focus remains firmly on establishing himself as a consistent NRL performer. He confirmed that he received interest from overseas clubs, most notably Hull FC, but ultimately decided against a move abroad at this juncture.

“Overseas didn’t really drive me in this part of my career at the moment, so being back here is a really good opportunity,” Madden explained. “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.”

With 32 first-grade appearances to his name, Madden is eager to add to that tally and become a key figure in the Wests Tigers' resurgence. His desire for consistent game time is a clear indicator of his ambition and commitment to developing his game at the highest level in Australia.

Navigating a Competitive Halves Landscape

Madden's return to the Wests Tigers injects a wealth of experience and talent into the club's playmaking stocks. However, he will face stiff competition for a starting spot in the halves. The Tigers boast a formidable lineup, including NSW Blues representative Jarome Luai, Lebanon international Adam Doueihi, and promising young talents Latu Fainu and Javon Andrews.

Sources indicate that Luai and Doueihi are the likely pairing to kick off the season in Round 2. Fainu, meanwhile, has impressed in training and is expected to feature as a utility off the bench, returning from injury earlier than anticipated. Despite the competition, Madden expressed a positive outlook on the team's internal dynamics.

“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 commented, underscoring the healthy competition and camaraderie within the squad.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Madden's homecoming is a significant development for the Wests Tigers as they look to build a competitive team for the 2026 NRL season. His experience at the Broncos, coupled with his familiarity with the Tigers' system and his clear desire to play under Benji Marshall, positions him as a key player for the club. The playmaker's determination to secure a regular NRL spot, while navigating a talented halves rotation, will be a storyline to watch closely as the season unfolds.

Fans will be eager to see how Madden integrates back into the Tigers' structure and how his partnership with other playmakers develops. His decision to prioritize an NRL return over an overseas venture speaks volumes about his ambition and his belief in the Wests Tigers' potential under Marshall's leadership.