Brisbane Broncos Anxiously Await Jock Madden’s Fitness Ahead of Showdown with Sydney Roosters
The Brisbane Broncos are eagerly anticipating the fitness status of Jock Madden for their Round 9 match against the Sydney Roosters, but are apprehensive about the scan results showing a favorable outcome.
Madden, who has stepped up in several games this season in the absence of both Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam at five-eighth, was forced off the field with approximately 20 minutes remaining during the Broncos’ victory over the Wests Tigers on Saturday evening, following a suspected pectoral injury.
It is anticipated that Madden will miss at least one game and possibly more, with the club awaiting the results of scans.
Coach Kevin Walters expressed doubts about Madden’s availability for the Roosters clash, also indicating that Mam is likely to be given another week of recovery before returning.
“We’ll come up with something. I’m not sure. Jock is pretty sore and it’s a shorter turnaround, but we’re not going to put Ezra at risk this early in the season,” Walters stated.
With Mam and Selwyn Cobbo initially expected to be sidelined for just one week due to injury, their recovery progress appears slower than anticipated, with Walters suggesting they are doubtful for the upcoming match against the Roosters.
In the event of Madden’s absence, Walters may consider options such as Tristan Sailor or rookie Josh Rogers to fill the void at five-eighth, while development player Coby Black, who recently impressed in a Mal Meninga Cup game, could also be in contention.
Madden’s injury comes after the welcomed returns of Payne Haas, Brendan Piakura, Adam Reynolds, and Deine Mariner for the Broncos last week.
Final team selections will be announced at 4pm (AEST) on Tuesday ahead of the Broncos’ home clash against the Roosters.
