Broncos Outcast Jock Madden Blocked from Super League Switch as Leeds Dream Collapses Over Eligibility Snag
Jock Madden remains under contract with the Brisbane Broncos until the end of the 2025 season, but his name has repeatedly surfaced in transfer discussions. Most recently, his availability was again circulated among clubs during the NRL off-season. Despite his contract status, Madden appears to be on the fringes at Brisbane following the high-profile arrival of veteran half Ben Hunt, which has pushed him further down the playmaking depth chart. As a result, Madden is actively seeking more consistent game time, potentially elsewhere.
A move to England’s Super League had been floated, with Leeds Rhinos reportedly showing interest. However, Madden’s transfer prospects have hit a roadblock due to Super League’s eligibility requirements. Under current rules, any NRL recruit must have played at least 50% of their club’s games in the prior season to qualify. Madden, who featured in only 10 matches for the Broncos in 2024, narrowly misses that mark. Though the rules were relaxed last year for younger players who participated in second-tier competitions like the New South Wales or Queensland Cup, Madden, now 25, doesn’t meet those age-based exemptions.
Without special dispensation, a transfer to Leeds is unlikely to go ahead. Even if a deal had materialized, Madden would’ve entered an already crowded half-back roster at Headingley. Leeds boasts several options in Brodie Croft, Matt Frawley, Jake Connor, and rising talent Jack Sinfield. However, with doubts surrounding the long-term futures of Croft and Frawley beyond 2025, Leeds may revisit their interest in Madden in the future if eligibility circumstances change.
