Jock Thanks Scone for Backing Him

FROM playing in the Scone Thoroughbred’s under 10’s side to kicking goals at the MCG as part of the winning Under 18’s side in the State of Origin Jock Madden is living what many young players dream of and said he wants to thank Scone for “always backing me”.

“It’s a very special moment to play a big stadium like that and to play for your state as well is an unbelievable experience,” said Mr Madden.

Jack Madden playing for the under 18’s Blues in the 2018 State of Origin. Digital Image: Nathan Hopkins © NRL Photos

“It was one of the fastest games, I’ve ever played in my life and it was a really good experience playing at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) you don’t get many opportunities to do that and having the win was even better,” he said.

“To tell the truth, as a kid I didn’t really think I’d be playing Origin, but with hard work you get paid off with rewards,” he said.

“The team came together on Friday and we all built really good relationships which really helps with the game, we all got along really well in camp,” Jock said.

Jock played five-eighth last night and kicked two goals out of three for the winning Blues side.

Recently he was also awarded the New South Wales under 18’s Player of the Year and has gone up a grade to play in the under 20’s Newcastle Knights team.

Jock said he will use the same approach as he used as a kid to continue to improve at the game he loves.

“It’s just playing with your mates, in a sport you love playing and being brought up through my life in Scone and surrounded by it, I love it,” said Jock.

“It’s about training hard and doing the little one percenters, going down the oval by yourself to help yourself improve all the time and no cutting corners,” he said.

“On days off I’d go to the gym, or do fitness, or go tot he oval and practice kicking and that’s what you’ve got to do to make the big level,” he said.

“I’ll be concentrating now on my defence  and just working hard,” Jock Madden said.

Jock is thankful to all the people who have helped him become a better player including some of his heroes.

“I’ve met a fair few, Brad Fittler coached me in under 16’s, I’ve had Andrew Johns train me, I’ve had Mark O’Meley and Danny Buderus this year with Andrew Ryan, Scotty Dureau as a coach and Todd Lowrie is coaching me now,” he said.

“I’d like to thank all of the Scone people for all of their support over the years, I probably wouldn’t be here without them, especially mum and dad I definitely wouldn’t be here without them with all of the effort they have put into me,” he said.

“They’ve all backed me to become a better player,” Jock Madden said.