Humble Brooks looking forward to linking with superstars

The announcement that veteran halfback Luke Brooks, who played eleven seasons with the Wests Tigers, was joining the Manly Sea Eagles on a four-year contract and inking it before the conclusion of the 2023 season left the NRL community stunned.

Well-known for his modest outlook, Brooks spent more than ten years with the Tigers without experiencing the sweet taste of championship football. For so long, a berth in the finals remained elusive, despite being an important component in the team’s structure. Although they appreciated his dedication and work ethic, Tigers supporters wanted to see results, which Brooks finally was unable to provide.

The 28-year-old playmaker is now wearing the Sea Eagles’ maroon and white uniform and is expected to debut as the starting five-eighth. The Sea Eagles’ lineup has been rearranged as a result of this decision, moving Josh Schuster to the back row after the silky-hands unit was unable to register any hits during the 2023 campaign.

Brooks, once touted as a future representative halfback in his early Tigers days, believes the change in scenery will alleviate the pressure that he carried in his previous role. Now partnered with Australian Kangaroos’ halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, Brooks is eager to showcase his skills in a team boasting multiple superstars.

Brooks has spoken about the need to step out of his comfort zone, and his excitement about joining a squad with a number of big talents could see him bring out career form.

“There’s so much strike. That’s one of the big reasons why I decided to come here was to play with those quality players. It’s very exciting for me to have a lot of speed and big bodies that will definitely help my game,” gushed Brooks.

“I bring a good running game and I think that’ll suit their side. Hopefully, they bring the best out of me and I can bring the best out of them as well.”

While he anticipates some boos from Tigers faithful when facing his former team, many still regard him as a good bloke who gave his all to the club. Despite the move, Brooks harbours fond memories of his time at the Tigers and wishes them success under the leadership of their new coach and former Tigers legend, Benji Marshall.

Manly coach Anthony Seibold has taken a deliberate approach in allowing Brooks to lay low. Seibold recognises the scapegoating Brooks endured during the Tigers’ challenging periods and aims to provide him with an environment where he can thrive without the burden of constant criticism.

At 28, Brooks is entering what could be the prime years of his career, and with a change in scenery, he looks set to make the most of the opportunity to prove himself as a pivotal force in the Sea Eagles’ quest for premiership glory.