Darren Lockyer has hailed Brisbane halfback Jock Madden's big-moment composure as the reason why he will continue to guide the side with panache in the absence of captain Adam Reynolds.
Madden, 24, slotted a 76th-minute field goal on Friday night to secure a 13-12 win over Manly after a stellar match.
Broncos legend Lockyer, one of the great playmakers of the modern era, said Madden's skillset and confidence was key for the side as they prepare to be without Reynolds for three months as he recovers from a ruptured biceps.
"Jock is very much like Adam. He gets the side around the park, he gives guidance and when the game was on the line, Jock stepped up," Lockyer said.
"With minutes to go, Manly held the edge because of Daly Cherry-Evans but the Broncos called (the field goal) at the tap and you have to stay calm in those situations and Jock executed it to perfection.
"Just the boost in his confidence will be awesome for him."
"(Coach) Kevin Walters wouldn't have brought him here if Jock wasn't a good person. It's one thing executing a drop goal, but you have to set up in the right position and Jock did both of those really well."
It is Madden's relentless work ethic that was key to the composure and confidence he showcased.
When Johnathan Thurston was a lad he would practice field goals and his kicking at night with just the light of the nearby Souths Sunnybank clubhouse to see by. That ethic came to the fore in the 2015 grand final when he landed a golden point field goal to win a maiden title for North Queensland.
Madden ventures down to the Broncos' training ground at night on his day off to practice his kicking and it paid off.
"I do that throughout the week so that when the game comes around I am ready to go," Madden said.
"That's my job. Kick to the corners and put the ball in the right position on the last tackle.
"It was special (to be the match winner)."
Reynolds remains in the background assisting and Madden is relishing the prospect of regular football for the next three months.
"I've always wanted to play NRL so to play consistent, week in and week out footy and build combinations with the players, it's going to help my game a lot and I'm excited for it," Madden said.
"Reyno encourages me to play my brand of footy and always picks out little things for my game that I took into this week. There are things that I can improve on and things that I can continue to do as well.
"He's always great and always helps me with my game, particularly when I'm at training as well."
Canberra Times
