New Brisbane playmaker Jock Madden has a long-term goal of being the club's starting halfback, but first up his goal is to make the top 17 alongside the electric Reece Walsh.
Walsh, back at the Broncos after a stint with the Warriors, and former Wests Tigers half Madden were on deck for the club's first field session at Red Hill on Tuesday with a group of 25 players which included Maroons winger Selwyn Cobbo and rising five-eighth Ezra Mam.
The 22-year-old Madden played 17 NRL games at the Tigers and has joined Brisbane on a two-year deal where he plans to learn plenty from captain Adam Reynolds and club legends Kevin Walters and Allan Langer on the coaching staff.
Madden will initially compete with Mam for a starting halves position but said his ultimate goal was to wear the famous number seven jersey.
"I'd like that. That is one of the reasons I came up here," he said.
"The club has had so much success and those players (Langer and Walters) are still here at the club. If I can learn as much as I can off them and Adam I think it is going to help my game.
"This is a powerful club ... when I did get the offer it was pretty hard to turn away."
Mam had a strong debut season in 2022 so Madden will have to prove he deserves to usurp him.
"Ezra is a great player as well. I think if you have competition amongst your players it makes you grow as a player and makes you better," Madden said.
"If we can continue to push each other like that it is just going to help us both.
"I have played (five-eighth) for the Tigers. I see myself as a natural seven but I can play six as well."
Walsh and Madden both did fitness testing together indoors on Monday before joining the initial returning group for field work on Tuesday. Walsh, 20, appeared in good shape and stronger physically than previous seasons.
Madden can't wait to watch the impact he will have in the fullback position.
"He is fast, skilful and just a natural footballer," Madden said.
"You saw what he did the last couple of years for the Warriors. He is quite a freak. To be able to play with him will be quite cool."
