SCONE youngster Jock Madden is one step closer to fulfilling a life-long dream - a debut in the NRL.
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The talented 20-year-old playmaker has been selected in the Wests Tigers' 21-man squad for the club's round 19 clash with the Melbourne Storm at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday, September 19.
Coach Michael Maguire named the former Thoroughbreds junior as a reserve this week, following the suspension of regular halfback Luke Brooks.
And, even though the Tigers still have Josh Reynolds and Benji Marshall in their ranks, the premiership-winning mentor could call up Madden at the last minute to gain some experience in the top grade.
At the start of 2020, the ex-Australian Schoolboys star was ear-marked as one of Wests' brightest prospects.
After being signed from the Newcastle Knights ahead of the 2019 season, Madden is on a development contract at the Tigers.
But, the crafty half showed maturity beyond his years in the Intrust Super Premiership and benefited from numerous games playing with (and against) quality NRL players in reserves.
Blessed with a good kicking game, Madden steered the NSW Blues to a thrilling win in the 2018 under-18 State of Origin alongside current teammate Tommy Talau, before travelling overseas with the Schoolboys.
His performances for Western Suburbs in the minor competition last season showed plenty of potential and promise - scoring three tries and kicking 15 goals from his seven matches.
Wests Tigers (squad): 1 Adam Doueihi, 2 David Nofoaluma, 3 Joseph Leilua, 4 Chris Lawrence, 5 Asu Kepaoa, 6 Josh Reynolds, 7 Benji Marshall, 8 Josh Aloiai, 9 Harry Grant, 10 Thomas Mikaele, 11 Sam McIntyre, 12 Luciano Leilua, 13 Alex Twal; 14 Zane Musgrove, 15 Matthew Eisenhuth, 16 Russell Packer, 17 Luke Garner, 18 Tommy Talau, 19 Michael Chee-Kam, 20 Jock Madden, 21 Jacob Liddle