Wests Tigers half-back Jock Madden has been rewarded for his fine season with selection in the Australian PM’s XIII team.
The Prime Minister’s XIII side will be coached by Premiership and Origin winner Ben Te’o, with the match against the PNG PM’s XIII team to be played at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday, October 3.
In his 15 games this season, Madden had six try assists, six-line break assists, eight forced dropouts, and had a tackle efficiency rating of 85 per cent.
With the boot, Madden kicked 32 goals with his lone try coming in his first game of the season in the 32-14 win over the Warriors in Auckland in round four.
However, the highlight of his season was his memorable winning field goal in the 25-24 victory over the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium in round 25.
Locked at 24-all with two minutes remaining, Madden stepped up when it mattered, slotting a field goal from 30 metres out to end an eight-game win drought for the Tigers.
Wests Tigers Coach Benji Marshall was full of praise for Madden following the win.
“I think as a halfback or a player, you want to have those moments where you get the big clutch,’’ Marshall added.
“When we signed Jock, I was very aware of what he was capable of in terms of game management, control, kicking, field goals, and understanding the way we wanted to play.
“I thought he showed on the weekend that he is a true first grade player. And if you look at all our wins this year, he’s been heavily involved in those.
“It's a credit to him because he's had a bit of a tough road and hasn't had a lot of consistent first grade, so for him as a moment, I reckon he can draw on that for the future and understand that he belongs.”
