Wests Tigers playmaker Jock Madden is set to test the open market according to The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio.
Madden, 22, has made two appearances for the Tigers this year in the absence of Jackson Hastings and Adam Doueihi, performing well in tight losses to the Warriors and Titans.
As he’s third in the pecking order of five-eighths at Concord, Riccio says he’ll look to cement a spot at another club before committing to the Tigers.
“This one focuses on Jock Madden being off contract at the end of this season,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“The young half who’s been deputising in the absence of Jackson Hastings, he’ll play this Sunday alongside Luke Brooks in the halves.
“He wants to test his value on the open market before committing to anything at the Tigers.
“That’s understandable, and we’ve spoken about it that Jock Madden was shopped to the Raiders at the start of this season as a quick fix for Jamal Fogarty.
“So, it doesn’t come as a surprise to me that Madden has itchy feet and wants to cement down an NRL spot.”
In addition to Madden, Riccio added that Daine Laurie could soon test the market as the Tigers are yet to come to their fullback with an extension on his current deal.
“The other one of note which hasn’t created too many headlines yet is Daine Laurie the fullback,” Riccio said.
“He’s one of their most exciting players and he’s effectively a free agent from November 1.
“He comes off contract at the end of 2023 … if the Tigers were serious about holding on to some of their red-hot talent, and Laurie has held down the fullback position, then a contract extension would be soon forthcoming or there would be dialogue.
“Well, I can tell you there’s been none, there has been no contact with Daine Laurie or his management about a contract extension, there could be more movement in that fullback space with Daine Laurie.
“Watch this space.”
The Tigers will look to earn their first win of the season when they face the Sharks on Sunday afternoon.