550K well spent or...

[Knuckles]

I'm not sure how hard Brooks trains, but if his practice at getting repeat sets on tackle six is any guide, it couldn't be too hard. He just can't seem to judge how to kick into the in goal without it going dead or without it going into the legs of an opposing player.

 

[Russell]

Moses is putting in solid games at Parra when he never used to do that for us in the past. Put a good player behind the right pack and they will shine. Just give Brooks a chance next year and see if he improves under a new coach and forward pack, if he still fails to put in solid, constant performances then it'll be clear he just isn't NRL standard.

Usually I say the exact same thing, and we will see next year.

But I'm worried that maybe it isn't the bad pack at Wests Tigers that made it so hard for Brooks, maybe it's just his ability. How long has it been since he debuted? Five years? His career is half over. He still can barely get a good fifth tackle kick away, still can't pop a field goal under pressure when we need it. He must have had a dozen chances at field goals over the years to win it, I'd be interested to see the stats on how many has he missed opposed to ones he got over. He must have gotten a couple over surely, though I can't remember any ??

You're right, it's dismal to see that he's had 5 years and still fails to do some of the siumple things like a 5th tackle option etc. I'm definitely not impressed in those stats but also look at the coaching he's had over the past few years too, could be a defining factor. See how he performs over the off-season under Cleary and beside Reynolds who has a wealth of experience too. We may be seeing the best of him in 2018

Bit unfair quoting 5 years imo.

He debuted in round 24, 2013 and had one game. 2014, 2015, 2016 and this year fair enough.

Basically he has had 4 years - most of that time with no direction basically a reserve grade roster and a halves partner that stifled him into almost a slow death. He is still 22 years old - Thurston wasn't any better at that age.

I agree next year with a pack that has a bit of grunt, an experienced halves partner, a full off season with Cleary (he worked wonders teaching his son) and a team without no hopers like Lovett (who thinks millimetres are metres in attack), should do pretty well.

 

[851]

Moses is putting in solid games at Parra when he never used to do that for us in the past. Put a good player behind the right pack and they will shine. Just give Brooks a chance next year and see if he improves under a new coach and forward pack, if he still fails to put in solid, constant performances then it'll be clear he just isn't NRL standard.

Usually I say the exact same thing, and we will see next year.

But I'm worried that maybe it isn't the bad pack at Wests Tigers that made it so hard for Brooks, maybe it's just his ability. How long has it been since he debuted? Five years? His career is half over. He still can barely get a good fifth tackle kick away, still can't pop a field goal under pressure when we need it. He must have had a dozen chances at field goals over the years to win it, I'd be interested to see the stats on how many has he missed opposed to ones he got over. He must have gotten a couple over surely, though I can't remember any ??

You're right, it's dismal to see that he's had 5 years and still fails to do some of the siumple things like a 5th tackle option etc. I'm definitely not impressed in those stats but also look at the coaching he's had over the past few years too, could be a defining factor. See how he performs over the off-season under Cleary and beside Reynolds who has a wealth of experience too. We may be seeing the best of him in 2018

Bit unfair quoting 5 years imo.

He debuted in round 24, 2013 and had one game. 2014, 2015, 2016 and this year fair enough.

Basically he has had 4 years - most of that time with no direction basically a reserve grade roster and a halves partner that stifled him into almost a slow death. He is still 22 years old - Thurston wasn't any better at that age.

I agree next year with a pack that has a bit of grunt, an experienced halves partner, a full off season with Cleary (he worked wonders teaching his son) and a team without no hopers like Lovett (who thinks millimetres are metres in attack), should do pretty well.

Love your outlook mate, I am excited about next year too, but Brooks has had 77 NRL games and still can't get a repeat set. I think he will stink it up again next year, but I think Gamble will surprise, so I live in hope too

 

[WestsBenTigers]

Not forcing a repeat set is not the worst thing in the world. It isn't as bad as giving away a 20m restart and 7 tackles. Giving the ball to the opposition 2 meters out from their try-line is a good thing and it will likely result in us gaining field position. Teams are probably more potent and dangerous when they are 20m out rather than 10 (that's why teams give away many penalties on their line).

Also if we are kicking it into their legs, it may result in a knock-on from the opposition which gives us another set on their line. kicking it into their legs also means that there is a chance of a deflection which may end up in a try.

People complain about having 'boring' attack
http://www.weststigersforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=256&t=29835
Not being able to force a line dropout, forces us to run the ball on the last tackle and play more expansive and razzle-dazzle. According to some of you, this is what you want but yet you are complaining about Brooks short-kicking game. Have it one way or the other; you can't have both.
\
\
A short-kicking game is not the most important aspect for a half. There are other departments like game management, attack/try assists, defense, running game, field goals/conversions etc. Forcing repeat sets would be low on the priorities for a halfback. Nobody can be perfect and everybody has their strengths and weaknesses. Brooks may have a weakness in his short-kicking game but the rest of his attributes are really good.

Why pay $1m+ for a half just so he can force line dropouts???

 

[hobbo]

Wasted with Brooks. Read in today's Sunday mail up here that Benji will only be offered 100K next season.
Didn't think I'd ever say it but I'd take him over Luke in the blink of an eye.

In a heartbeat…
I was pissed when Brooks took up his offer ..
"WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY "

I still live in hope that one day you will like something/someone or that one day you will post a positive comment.

Why do you even follow this club? Lol

Maybe one day …but their hasn't been to much to write home about of late has they ?
I used to be a half glass full type of supporter but having stumbled upon this website the negativity is now well ingrained .
Not to mention the way the club has pissed on the supporters over the past few years with inept management and poor player retention and playing roster ..

As for Brooks he'll never be a competent half as long as he's got a hole in his backside !

 

[Skip]

Brooks is a dud

 

[Geo]

Wasted with Brooks. Read in today's Sunday mail up here that Benji will only be offered 100K next season.
Didn't think I'd ever say it but I'd take him over Luke in the blink of an eye.

In a heartbeat…
I was pissed when Brooks took up his offer ..
"WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY "

\

3.Brooks (running game)
2.nofoaluma ( staying in the defensive line)
1.ava (running straight and hard

Oh how they turn…

 

[Skip]

Brooks had a mixed bag today. Overall a below average game but consider the rest of the spine and the roster he has to marshall around.

We will be a better rounded unit with Lolo out of the halves and Reynolds there next year. Matty Mac needs to be tapped on the shoulder and told to work on his ability to play the 80\. Carrying JLJ on that bench was criminal.

With reynolds joining brooks in the halves they'll be called the trip brothers.

 

[hobbo]

Wasted with Brooks. Read in today's Sunday mail up here that Benji will only be offered 100K next season.
Didn't think I'd ever say it but I'd take him over Luke in the blink of an eye.

In a heartbeat…
I was pissed when Brooks took up his offer ..
"WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY "

\

3.Brooks (running game)
2.nofoaluma ( staying in the defensive line)
1.ava (running straight and hard

Oh how they turn…

Shame it's so few and far between …for saying he's played 70 odd games he hasn't learnt a lot !
\
\
As for my previous post it goes to show , when they play well they get praised , but that's few and far between !

550k :roll

Where do i sign ???

 

[stryker]

Not forcing a repeat set is not the worst thing in the world. It isn't as bad as giving away a 20m restart and 7 tackles. Giving the ball to the opposition 2 meters out from their try-line is a good thing and it will likely result in us gaining field position. Teams are probably more potent and dangerous when they are 20m out rather than 10 (that's why teams give away many penalties on their line).

Also if we are kicking it into their legs, it may result in a knock-on from the opposition which gives us another set on their line. kicking it into their legs also means that there is a chance of a deflection which may end up in a try.

People complain about having 'boring' attack
http://www.weststigersforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=256&t=29835
Not being able to force a line dropout, forces us to run the ball on the last tackle and play more expansive and razzle-dazzle. According to some of you, this is what you want but yet you are complaining about Brooks short-kicking game. Have it one way or the other; you can't have both.
\
\
A short-kicking game is not the most important aspect for a half. There are other departments like game management, attack/try assists, defense, running game, field goals/conversions etc. Forcing repeat sets would be low on the priorities for a halfback. Nobody can be perfect and everybody has their strengths and weaknesses. Brooks may have a weakness in his short-kicking game but the rest of his attributes are really good.

Why pay $1m+ for a half just so he can force line dropouts???

I dont agree with the sentiments expressed here.
Brooks is a reserve grader and should see the year out there to learn the game. His game management, try assists, defence, running game and field goal prowess are all as bad as his short and long kicking games.

 

[Russell]

Not forcing a repeat set is not the worst thing in the world. It isn't as bad as giving away a 20m restart and 7 tackles. Giving the ball to the opposition 2 meters out from their try-line is a good thing and it will likely result in us gaining field position. Teams are probably more potent and dangerous when they are 20m out rather than 10 (that's why teams give away many penalties on their line).

Also if we are kicking it into their legs, it may result in a knock-on from the opposition which gives us another set on their line. kicking it into their legs also means that there is a chance of a deflection which may end up in a try.

People complain about having 'boring' attack
http://www.weststigersforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=256&t=29835
Not being able to force a line dropout, forces us to run the ball on the last tackle and play more expansive and razzle-dazzle. According to some of you, this is what you want but yet you are complaining about Brooks short-kicking game. Have it one way or the other; you can't have both.
\
\
A short-kicking game is not the most important aspect for a half. There are other departments like game management, attack/try assists, defense, running game, field goals/conversions etc. Forcing repeat sets would be low on the priorities for a halfback. Nobody can be perfect and everybody has their strengths and weaknesses. Brooks may have a weakness in his short-kicking game but the rest of his attributes are really good.

Why pay $1m+ for a half just so he can force line dropouts???

I dont agree with the sentiments expressed here.
Brooks is a reserve grader and should see the year out there to learn the game. His game management, try assists, defence, running game and field goal prowess are all as bad as his short and long kicking games.

Fair enough that you don't agree - your prerogative and you may end up being right.

However mate - what in the hell is he going to learn in our reserve grade, maybe the brilliant coach we have there will help, maybe he can learn off JLJ or from the players around him that get beat by buckets of points. Somehow though, I don't think he would improve.

Maybe, he might learn something off Cleary though or when playing against some of the better halves in the NRL or off some of the more experienced players we have. I know you are going to say "he is beyond help" but I disagree, think he is still a chance of coming good, no chance in reserves though.

 

[Tim Sheens]

Some were calling for JLJ not that long back, yeah, now that was a real laugh. Brooks is a first grade player, no ifs, no buts. Sure, he is not the best and is paid accordingly. Mind you, even put Cronk in the middle of this side and he is no longer simply able to play the limited game he is required to put out for a Smith led Melbourne.

 

[TYGA]

Compare Brooks to Ash Taylor they are the same age and played around the same amount of games. There is light years difference between the two.

I hope it's poor coaching which, Cleary can get right.
He gets one more year if he doesn't shine the contract is short enough to target a replacement for 2019.

 

[earl]

I don't buy the poor coaching line. A halfback at NRL level should know that finishing your sets well is important.

At the same time I don't think Brooks is as bad as what is made out.

 

[WestsBenTigers]

Not forcing a repeat set is not the worst thing in the world. It isn't as bad as giving away a 20m restart and 7 tackles. Giving the ball to the opposition 2 meters out from their try-line is a good thing and it will likely result in us gaining field position. Teams are probably more potent and dangerous when they are 20m out rather than 10 (that's why teams give away many penalties on their line).

Also if we are kicking it into their legs, it may result in a knock-on from the opposition which gives us another set on their line. kicking it into their legs also means that there is a chance of a deflection which may end up in a try.

People complain about having 'boring' attack
http://www.weststigersforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=256&t=29835
Not being able to force a line dropout, forces us to run the ball on the last tackle and play more expansive and razzle-dazzle. According to some of you, this is what you want but yet you are complaining about Brooks short-kicking game. Have it one way or the other; you can't have both.
\
\
A short-kicking game is not the most important aspect for a half. There are other departments like game management, attack/try assists, defense, running game, field goals/conversions etc. Forcing repeat sets would be low on the priorities for a halfback. Nobody can be perfect and everybody has their strengths and weaknesses. Brooks may have a weakness in his short-kicking game but the rest of his attributes are really good.

Why pay $1m+ for a half just so he can force line dropouts???

I dont agree with the sentiments expressed here.
Brooks is a reserve grader and should see the year out there to learn the game. His game management, try assists, defence, running game and field goal prowess are all as bad as his short and long kicking games.

Game Managment - He is playing behind a beaten forward pack, judge him next year behind a dominant pack
Try Assists - Who is there to assist? Kyle Lovett playing left centre…
Defence - I think he is one of our better defenders, at least he is better than Moses
Running Game - He ran for over 150m against Newcastle. He averages more runs, metres and hit ups than Pearce, Cronk and Cleary.
Field Goal Prowess - When has he had to kick a field goal? When we are getting smashed by 30 points every week...

Brooks has the talent and I am sure he will improve and become one of the best halfs in the comp. Behind a good forward pack next year, I think you will see a new Luke Brooks

 

[Pawsandclaws]

As I wrote yesterday, rolling the ball into the in goal is a matter of learning to kick with your instep. Watch how Tui did it against the Sharks to get the repeat sets. Soccer coaches are light years ahead in teaching players how to kick with their insteps or the outside of their boots.

 

[cqtiger]

Sadly Brooks is paying the price for the clubs "keep our juniors at all costs" policy. He starred in the U20's a few years ago against boys and has never really risen above it. He was picked in first grade too early and has never been dropped. We have given him a 'free pass' the last 2 years. Any other club and he would be in reggies.

It's a sad testimony that he is in first grade by default because there is no-one else.

 

[Chris]

Cant wait to see him play with the pack we have next year. Too many people are quick to judge.

 

[kh_canada]

Usually I say the exact same thing, and we will see next year.

But I'm worried that maybe it isn't the bad pack at Wests Tigers that made it so hard for Brooks, maybe it's just his ability. How long has it been since he debuted? Five years? His career is half over. He still can barely get a good fifth tackle kick away, still can't pop a field goal under pressure when we need it. He must have had a dozen chances at field goals over the years to win it, I'd be interested to see the stats on how many has he missed opposed to ones he got over. He must have gotten a couple over surely, though I can't remember any ??

You're right, it's dismal to see that he's had 5 years and still fails to do some of the siumple things like a 5th tackle option etc. I'm definitely not impressed in those stats but also look at the coaching he's had over the past few years too, could be a defining factor. See how he performs over the off-season under Cleary and beside Reynolds who has a wealth of experience too. We may be seeing the best of him in 2018

Bit unfair quoting 5 years imo.

He debuted in round 24, 2013 and had one game. 2014, 2015, 2016 and this year fair enough.

Basically he has had 4 years - most of that time with no direction basically a reserve grade roster and a halves partner that stifled him into almost a slow death. He is still 22 years old - Thurston wasn't any better at that age.

I agree next year with a pack that has a bit of grunt, an experienced halves partner, a full off season with Cleary (he worked wonders teaching his son) and a team without no hopers like Lovett (who thinks millimetres are metres in attack), should do pretty well.

Love your outlook mate, I am excited about next year too, but Brooks has had 77 NRL games and still can't get a repeat set. I think he will stink it up again next year, but I think Gamble will surprise, so I live in hope too

I was quoting TigerTiger on the 5 years, I have lost track on how long these players have been in FG.

The fact still stands - over the 4 years he hasn't had any real directive coaching or top grade footballer beside him leading and influencing him. I just say wait until after this off season because I think he'll surprise.

 

[greatodensraven]

Brooks: 78 games, 25 tries, 2 FGs, 39% win rate
Moses: 75 games, 14 tries, 4 FGs, 38% win rate

from Rugbyleagueproject.org