All Stars diary – Luke Brooks

[Geo]

All Stars diary – Luke Brooks
By Tony Webeck, Chief Queensland Correspondent
NRL.com
6:00pm Wed 11th February, 2015

Not long out of school himself, NRL All Stars representative Luke Brooks was impressed at the quality of students who had gathered for the Youth Summit on the Gold Coast.
Not long out of school himself, NRL All Stars representative Luke Brooks was impressed at the quality of students who had gathered for the Youth Summit on the Gold Coast.

Named on the bench for the NRL All Stars for Friday night, young Wests Tigers half Luke Brooks on getting to know his idols, sitting on the other side of a youth summit and what the boys are doing for fun.

All Stars camp

I wasn't really sure what to expect being such a new thing for me but I was looking forward to getting amongst the players that are in the team and learn a few things off them as well. It's been a good experience so far and can't wait to play on Friday night.

On the training field with the calibre of player that you're surrounded by it's just another level compared to what I'm used to. The way the boys do each drill is so crisp and everyone knows their role and it's just awesome to be a part of it. The only guy I've played with before is Dylan Walker so there is a lot you can learn just by being around them.

When coach Wayne Bennett first came into camp it was a bit daunting but he's easy to get along with. He hasn't said too much at this stage but I'm looking forward to playing for him on Friday night in whatever role he needs me to play.

I'm rooming with Kieran Foran this week and back in the hotel room me and Kieran have been talking about all sorts of stuff. A bit of footy, stuff away from the game. We've only been together two nights so far but he's such a great player, hopefully I can pick up some stuff as the week goes on.

Youth summit
I only finished school a couple of years ago so it was good to get a bit of a refresher on some of the things I learned back at school. I struggled a bit in a few of the quizzes that we were given, I'd forgotten all about it, but the kids were great and really appreciated us spending some time with them.

Sitting next to the kids you could tell how pumped they were and they were telling us how excited they were to meet the players they watch on TV. It's a good feeling and it's good for us to do our bit and spend some time with a great group of kids.

I actually really admire these kids and their commitment to study because when I was at school I was focused on footy and probably didn't concentrate in class as much as I should have. Looking back on it now I wish I'd done as well at school as I did at footy.

Fun and games

The schedule has been pretty busy so far but this afternoon we had some free time which was nice. A few of the boys went for a surf, some went to Dreamworld and did some stuff with the tigers which would have been pretty cool. Tonight we're attending a dinner with all the teams who are taking part on Friday night so it's going to be great to mix with those guys and hear about how excited they are to be playing, just as I am.

Game

As for the game itself, I think it will be pretty quick. They've got a great side with Inglis and Thurston so it's going to be a tough game so I think being on the bench might be a bit easier for me. That wasy I can get a feel for the game and hopefully get a few minutes whenever Wayne wants to put me in.

I was only 15 when the first All Stars game was played in 2010 and even then I thought it was a pretty cool concept and something I'd love to do one day. It wasn't something I expected to be in this quickly but I'm really excited and can't wait to get out there.

http://www.nrl.com/all-stars-diary-%E2%80%93-luke-brooks/tabid/10874/newsid/83799/default.aspx

 

[Geo]

The game itself may be frowned upon in some quarters but what a great experience for young Luke…enjoy yourself....just don't get injured.....

 

[PYMBLEPETE]

Its a load of rubbish. I respect the indigenous guys' genuine desire to play. However, as for it being a great experience for young Luke, then Bennett not saying very much, talking to Foran about stuff away from the game, going to Dreamworld and dinners don't satisfy that description for me. But carry on….

 

[VanillaThunder]

Its a load of rubbish. I respect the indigenous guys' genuine desire to play. However, as for it being a great experience for young Luke, then Bennett not saying very much, talking to Foran about stuff away from the game, going to Dreamworld and dinners don't satisfy that description for me. But carry on….

He'd learn a lot just training with them and picking up small nuances by himself. He's an elite athlete in his field and would certainly not rely solely on someone telling him what to do to develop his game.

_Posted using RoarFEED 4.2.0_

 

[PYMBLEPETE]

Its a load of rubbish. I respect the indigenous guys' genuine desire to play. However, as for it being a great experience for young Luke, then Bennett not saying very much, talking to Foran about stuff away from the game, going to Dreamworld and dinners don't satisfy that description for me. But carry on….

He'd learn a lot just training with them and picking up small nuances by himself. He's an elite athlete in his field and would certainly not rely solely on someone telling him what to do to develop his game.

_Posted using RoarFEED 4.2.0_

Right; maybe about their lucky rabbit's foot or favourite music to zone in on before games. I have been listening to players refer - in general terms - to this sort of stuff for more than 40 years and never heard a single tangible thing cited. I repeat what I have said elsewhere; Brooks trains virtually every day with State of Orgin players. It is not as if he is never exposed to players of this calibre. What he will pick up from this circus is likely next to nothing (with the possible exception of an injury).

 

[happy_tiger]

The game itself may be frowned upon in some quarters but what a great experience for young Luke…enjoy yourself....just don't get injured.....

If he wasn't playing in All Stars game he would be playing in a trial

 

[Geo]

The game itself may be frowned upon in some quarters but what a great experience for young Luke…enjoy yourself....just don't get injured.....

If he wasn't playing in All Stars game he would be playing in a trial

Yep and the same sentiments would apply…..

 

[Tigermama]

Agree with Geo. It's an honour to be part of the All Stars. Lots of great players on both teams. A really good experience for him.

 

[VanillaThunder]

Its a load of rubbish. I respect the indigenous guys' genuine desire to play. However, as for it being a great experience for young Luke, then Bennett not saying very much, talking to Foran about stuff away from the game, going to Dreamworld and dinners don't satisfy that description for me. But carry on….

He'd learn a lot just training with them and picking up small nuances by himself. He's an elite athlete in his field and would certainly not rely solely on someone telling him what to do to develop his game.

_Posted using RoarFEED 4.2.0_

Right; maybe about their lucky rabbit's foot or favourite music to zone in on before games. I have been listening to players refer - in general terms - to this sort of stuff for more than 40 years and never heard a single tangible thing cited. I repeat what I have said elsewhere; Brooks trains virtually every day with State of Orgin players. It is not as if he is never exposed to players of this calibre. What he will pick up from this circus is likely next to nothing (with the possible exception of an injury).

I guess technically you're right in that he trains with state of origin players plural, but 2 with Woods only just establishing himself does not compare to the caliber of players in the all star line up. He talks clearly about the very tangible signs at training of how crisp plays are, lines run, balls thrown and the overall intensity. Training constantly in that environment can only be a positive thing, especially if you compare it to the rabble that our club has been over the past few years.

_Posted using RoarFEED 4.2.0_

 

[TrueTiger]

Luke will have the pleasure of playing against and with some very,very talented players….he can only gain valuable experience from this...as for enjoying himself at theme parks and dinner,well he is only human and is still young enough to enjoy these surroundings..let him enjoy the opportunity he has been given,whilst many may never get......

 

[Snapper]

I think it's great!
As long as he is 100% fit. The experience will benefit him and Wests Tigers.
"Congratulations "

_Posted using RoarFEED 4.2.0_

 

[Goose]

Will be a great experience for him, playing with a range of top players in a high quality game.

Perfect choice for us, he will get more out of it than most players.

 

[Eddie]

He was playing in the centres first half.

 

[Russell]

Pretty sure he got through unscathed.

Played mostly centre as far as I could see - never give you too many wide shots.

I thought he went ok - was never going to be a star but the what he learnt will be invaluable in the games ahead. Apparently a lot off the field as well.

I thought his defence has improved and the way he ran down Hodges in the last couple of minutes and the tackle on him was first class. Good on you Luke.

The less said about the game the better - were the NRL All Stars really there?

 

[innsaneink]

Its a load of rubbish. I respect the indigenous guys' genuine desire to play. However, as for it being a great experience for young Luke, then Bennett not saying very much, talking to Foran about stuff away from the game, going to Dreamworld and dinners don't satisfy that description for me. But carry on….

He'd learn a lot just training with them and picking up small nuances by himself. He's an elite athlete in his field and would certainly not rely solely on someone telling him what to do to develop his game.

_Posted using RoarFEED 4.2.0_

Right; maybe about their lucky rabbit's foot or favourite music to zone in on before games. I have been listening to players refer - in general terms - to this sort of stuff for more than 40 years and never heard a single tangible thing cited. I repeat what I have said elsewhere; Brooks trains virtually every day with State of Orgin players. It is not as if he is never exposed to players of this calibre. What he will pick up from this circus is likely next to nothing (with the possible exception of an injury).

Geez…what a narrow minded view. Broaden your horizons...Foran, JWH, James Graham...Vatuvai etc etc..what an experience for him

 

[Defiant]

His first touch was full of confidence. Dummy, step and 10 metre run.

Bit of a waste of time having him out there with Pearce.

 

[spearby]

Its a load of rubbish. I respect the indigenous guys' genuine desire to play. However, as for it being a great experience for young Luke, then Bennett not saying very much, talking to Foran about stuff away from the game, going to Dreamworld and dinners don't satisfy that description for me. But carry on….

fair dinkum pymblepete I bet you boo santa claus and pull wings off butterflys :bash :bash

 

[TrueTiger]

I bet he boos the easter bunny as well Spearby…. :rant

 

[pHyR3]

Its a load of rubbish. I respect the indigenous guys' genuine desire to play. However, as for it being a great experience for young Luke, then Bennett not saying very much, talking to Foran about stuff away from the game, going to Dreamworld and dinners don't satisfy that description for me. But carry on….

He'd learn a lot just training with them and picking up small nuances by himself. He's an elite athlete in his field and would certainly not rely solely on someone telling him what to do to develop his game.

_Posted using RoarFEED 4.2.0_

Right; maybe about their lucky rabbit's foot or favourite music to zone in on before games. I have been listening to players refer - in general terms - to this sort of stuff for more than 40 years and never heard a single tangible thing cited. I repeat what I have said elsewhere; Brooks trains virtually every day with State of Orgin players. It is not as if he is never exposed to players of this calibre. What he will pick up from this circus is likely next to nothing (with the possible exception of an injury).

mate you never hear anything tangible in rugby league.

we've been working on our defence. communication is key. he's a good talker on the field.

so i guess when they say that they are just talking out their ass hm?

 

[PYMBLEPETE]

I bet he boos the easter bunny as well Spearby…. :rant

No! I love the Easter Bunny TT!

Look I am happy Luke got to go to Dreamworld and hear Bennett not talk very much. I am happy he got to play with some classy players; who didnt seem to exhibit much class on the night. My point was to express scepticism as to how much benefit to Luke, as a player it would be. Its an exhibition style game, but with the same risk of injury as any other game. I am not sure how happy most of you would have been if we had lost our halfback for the season in that game; I would have been filthy. Good luck to Luke, but in my opinion its crazy stuff playing this type of game at this point in the season.