Brisbane half Jock Madden engages in extra kicking drill sessions under lights on his day off each week in a quest to succeed as the replacement for Adam Reynolds.
On Wednesday night ahead of the Magic Round clash with Manly at Suncorp Stadium, the 24-year-old was fine-tuning his kicking game at the club's Red Hill training base.
Two days ahead of each game Madden, on the players' rostered free day, will take a teammate or staff member with him for his night shift to get used to the vagaries of kicking in the evenings, when most Broncos games are played.
Most of the matches he has played in the Queensland Cup when not required by the Broncos take place in daylight.
Madden's attention to detail and thirst for improvement are a huge boost to the Broncos as they prepare to be without Reynolds for three months as he recovers from a ruptured biceps.
The former Wests Tigers playmaker has had limited opportunities to work into a rhythm in the NRL. He has replaced either Reynolds or No.6 Ezra Mam when they have been injured.
Madden has played nine NRL games for the Broncos in two seasons, but the most in a row is three.
"Jock is very good with his commitment and has gradually got better for us over time," coach Kevin Walters said.
"I like the way he defends. He is very brave and a good fast mover on his feet, so that's a big thing for him. He is back this week, so it's good news for us.
"This is an extended period for him, which will make him settle and manage the team the way that Jock does. He just needs to kick well, tackle well and pass well.
"He has all those skill sets and I'm looking forward to seeing that on Friday night."
Madden missed last week's win over Parramatta with a pectoral injury. Josh Rogers stepped in as halfback and went well, but Madden is a player backed by Walters to be a long-term Broncos half once Reynolds retires.
Canberra Times
