It's been apparent for years Brooks isn't a real half. I don't see him go through any thought process with his plays. It's robotic and predictable - he literally repeats the same set plays and backline sweeps that are done at training. His dummy and left foot step get eaten alive by every forward in the league. His only asset is his speed - he thrives in broken play and is a good support runner. He can do the basics but you're stretching for much more.
Watch the good halves in the comp. They structure sets and control the tempo for their team. The creative ones create overlaps and put players through gaps. Brooks just doesn't do this stuff - even in his best seasons he was pretty average in terms of what you'd expect from a half, he just managed to make a few notable plays picking up loose balls or making busts from offloads.
As the 4th best player in your spine, he's fine. He'd do well enough as the halfback for the Roosters, Storm or Raiders but we're relying on him to be our star member of the spine. It's clear as day he isn't that. A team with Luke Brooks as its key player hasn't and never will make the finals. He absolutely needs to be moved on (as does Benji which really goes without saying).
Totally agree.
