'We will see the best of him': Why Benji's backing Brooks to deliver
By Christian Nicolussi
February 29, 2020 — 12.00pm
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 pre-seasons trying to play down those Joey headlines.
Now 25, Brooks, co-captain Benji Marshall and even coach Michael Maguire believes the nuggetty 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 self-confidence 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 in Rotorua on Sunday.
Reynolds' facing on-field battle to make round-one Tigers team
"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 the sudden departure of former coach Ivan Cleary, Brooks has continued to aim up without much fanfare.
NSW coach Brad Fittler has been happy enough to include him in the Emerging Blues squad the past three years, while Brooks has taken out the Kelly-Barnes Award the past two years as the club's best, and will be out to become the first Tiger since Gareth Ellis to clinch it a third straight season.
"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 way back 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 co-captain 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 during the pre-season.
"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. "I'm really looking forward to seeing how that plays out this year. It's in his hands now to play consistently throughout the season."
Brooks has not missed a game in the past two years and will bring up the 150-game milestone this season should he remain injury-free.
By Christian Nicolussi
February 29, 2020 — 12.00pm
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 pre-seasons trying to play down those Joey headlines.
Now 25, Brooks, co-captain Benji Marshall and even coach Michael Maguire believes the nuggetty 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 self-confidence 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 in Rotorua on Sunday.
Reynolds' facing on-field battle to make round-one Tigers team
"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 the sudden departure of former coach Ivan Cleary, Brooks has continued to aim up without much fanfare.
NSW coach Brad Fittler has been happy enough to include him in the Emerging Blues squad the past three years, while Brooks has taken out the Kelly-Barnes Award the past two years as the club's best, and will be out to become the first Tiger since Gareth Ellis to clinch it a third straight season.
"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 way back 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 co-captain 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 during the pre-season.
"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. "I'm really looking forward to seeing how that plays out this year. It's in his hands now to play consistently throughout the season."
Brooks has not missed a game in the past two years and will bring up the 150-game milestone this season should he remain injury-free.
