Tigers half in Dolphins’ sights

WESTS Tigers face a battle to retain Jock Madden with the rookie playmaker shopped to Wayne Bennett to become the Dolphins’ foundation halfback.

Bennett has been offered the services of Madden, who is off-contract at season’s end and has yet to be offered a new deal by Tigers coach Michael Maguire.

The Dolphins coach will spend the next fortnight watching the performances of Madden before deciding whether to table a formal offer for the former Australian Schoolboys ace.

The 22-year-old can ignite Bennett’s interest by producing a sizzling display when he runs out in the No.6 jumper as Jackson Hastings’ scrumbase partner for Wests Tigers’ clash with crisis-torn Canterbury on

Friday night at Leichhardt Oval.

The Dolphins are running out of time to secure playmakers for their foundation season in 2023.

The new NRL franchise has secured rookie Penrith halfback Isaiya Katoa, but the teenager has yet to play NRL and Bennett is reluctant to throw him in the deep end.

Madden (pictured) has played nine NRL games since his Tigers debut last season and has shown promise with his kicking game, vision and competitive edge. He is keen to cement the Tigers’ No.7 jumper, but could be lost to the Dolphins if the Tigers continue to deploy the oft-maligned Luke Brooks or Hastings at halfback.

“He would certainly consider a move to Queensland if the Dolphins were keen,” said his manager Chris Orr of PSM.

“Jock just needs a team to give him the No.7 jersey. Now whether that’s going to be the Wests Tigers in due course or someone else, he needs a chance to be the seven and run a team. That’s what he wants to do.

“Jock would stay at the Tigers depending on where the club sees him. … I’ve spoken to the Dolphins and they are watching Jock closely.”