Brooks set to roar for Tigers
As the Wests Tigers prepare for their NRL trial against the Warriors in Rotorua today, there is a growing belief in Tiger Town that Luke Brooks is about to finally live up to the hype.
Seven years ago, Brooks was compared to the great Andrew Johns. He’s spent the past six preseasons trying to play down those Joey headlines.
Now 25, Brooks, co-captain and Kiwis legend Benji Marshall and coach Michael Maguire believes the nuggety No 7 is on the brink of a breakout campaign.
‘‘He’s given himself one hell of a pre-season and I’m expecting some great things from Brooksy,’’ Maguire said.
Marshall added: ‘‘I’ve seen the evolution of Luke, especially under ‘Madge’ [Maguire], and I feel like his leadership and talk has gone to another level this summer.
‘‘I think there’s that selfconfidence I’m starting to see from him. I’m loving the way he’s training and if you ask him, he hasn’t lifted as heavy as he has in the gym – he’s lifting on par with some of the forwards – and training as hard as he can.
‘‘He’s training well, but you obviously need to put that on the field. I just want him to have a big year. And I think we will see the best of him this year.’’
While it remains to be seen who will be their starting hooker, and fullback-in-waiting Adam Doueihi only arrived in recent weeks, ‘‘King’’ Marshall and heir apparent Brooks have benefited from another pre-season together.
The little left-footer has enjoyed linking with Marshall after teaming up with his share of No 6s in recent years, and they will begin another campaign together when the Tigers take on the Warriors.
‘‘When you grow up playing with your mates, you understand what each other do, and what we’ve had now is a solid couple of years together, and hopefully we see the benefits of just how comfortable we are together out there and the understanding we have,’’ Marshall said.
Despite the seemingly endless dramas at the joint venture in recent years, including player exits – most notably Brooks’ good mates James Tedesco, Aaron Woods and Mitchell Moses – then
NZ Warriors v Wests Tigers, Rotorua International Stadium, today, 2pm
the sudden departure of former coach Ivan Cleary, Brooks has continued to aim up without much fanfare.
‘‘I’ve been playing a few years now and it’s time to take control of this side and hopefully lead us to the finals,’’ said Brooks, who remains a stranger to September football, despite making his debut in 2013 and playing 131 top-grade games. ‘‘We’ve always started well, but we also need that focus on the middle of the year where we’ve been inconsistent. Adding some quality players like Adam [Doueihi] and BJ [Leilua] has been massive, and they’ll add a lot to our side.’’
Brooks will link with cocaptain Moses Mbye and unheralded back-rower Luke Garner down the left edge, while Marshall and the Leilua brothers – Joey and Luciano – will pose plenty of threats on the right.
Maguire has drummed into Brooks the need to lead the way in the key position of half and has liked his response.
‘‘He’s put himself in the best shape I’ve seen him, and he really understands the leadership and maturity required with his position,’’ Maguire said.
– Sydney Morning Herald
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