Luke Brooks

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I dont mind the Brooks bashing because other than his debut 3 years ago, I struggle to find a game where he was a dominate half.
He doesnt guide us around the park, he has stop running the footy, his kicking game is terrible and the only thing that has improved slightly is his 1-1 defence although his defence reads are still poor.
$600k can get you decent players who will have a go.
Brooks is lacking confidence and passion example - the little kick in the 1st half where he stood and watch the ball in goal as Lewis went to grab it but luck the ball bounced up and past Lewis and into Brooks's hands.
I want him to do well but when I see someone like Ash Taylor (Titans) play and direct his team around like he has been playing grade for 3 years, i wonder if the penny will drop for Brooks.
You would also think having a ex half as a coach who was one of the most durable halves when playing, would be able to improve the game of Brooks. Sadly he has gone backwards.
 
As many have said, Brooks is out of form and lacking confidence. I agree that his defense is inconsistent with occasional excellent front on hits then ineffectual jumper grabs the next moment. However, the real concern is that his passing and ball playing skills, which are what are required of a first grade halfback are simply not there. I think a demotion to NSW Cup is what is required and the club needs to be strong and swallow their $600k pride and replace him with Littlejohn, at least until his self belief returns. Does Littlejohn kick well? I missed the Round 1 game.
 
@supercoach said:
Brooks was diabolical today in defence. When defending out wide, he had no idea, he would either rush in and miss the tackle or hold back and not make the tackle. The kid had no idea. He is much better when he defends close to the middle because he doesn't have to make a decision other than to tackle the bloke running directly at him. Although when Gallen scored he went low around the legs, when he had to go high and rap the ball up. Todays effort in my book was worse than Lovett last year when he was forced to defend in the centres against Penrith. He needs some time in state cup

I am not sure if this is part of the "structure". If yoy have a look Naiquama, Simona, Nofa and even the back rowers rush up on occasions. If they miss, there is inevitably a line break or points
 
Wonder what team morale would be like if Brooks' was dropped?
Would James & Mitch be cool with that?

Like, the team should come first…
Brooks has been poor, but they're all best friends.
 
@stevetiger said:
I can't have a go at him for that game. His defence was good. He made some good plays and I didn't see any shockers. Moses wasn't any better.

I think it's interesting though that Moses seems to playing more at 7 than Brooks or they are swapping around a lot.

His defence in 2016 is probably better than last year.

But tonight - 9 tackles and 7 missed, that is an appaling strike rate. Cronulla carried him over the line twice and I haven't seen the footage yet where the other missed tackles were.
 
Its really hard putting a price on someone like Brooks.

On one hand he has a lot of talent but he is very inconsistent and if you compare him to the other halves in the competition…..I don't think he stands out as some super talent.

Whats he worth......maybe $300-$400k a season tops.....and I think thats being kind. For $600k a year we could buy Josh Reynolds, Aiden Sezer, even Michael Morgan........

Not bagging the bloke but I really think he disappears far too often and for far too long in a game. Can tell you one thing - great players like Andrew Johns knew when to grab a game by the bxlls and press the advantage. ATM Brooks has no idea how to do that - he's a drifter...drifts in and out of games and I really donot see any real drive or passion from him. Just seems to take it..... all too casual.

Lets hope Brooks doesn't end up holding out for less money ( aka george costanza from seinfeld. )
 
His defence was truly dreadful tonight.

Along with his 5th tackle blunders it was the main reason we lost the match.

Seriously if he was not missing tackles he was back pedalling and allowing them to make 30 metres.

That 650 K he wants might want to take a hike if he keeps up those efforts.
 
What's going on here, people criticising Brooks.
Shame on you don't you know his one of our highest paid players and so what he misses more tackles than he makes and comes up with stupid last tackle options.
Grant Mayer told me he was the best half in the world. So it must be true.
 
He's done the Tigers a favor by delaying the decision till June. By then the Tigers should have a better idea of what he is worth.
 
He's very much the same size/build as Ben Hunt, and yet the way they carry themselves on the pitch couldn't be more different.
Decision making is one thing and can be put down to experience, but the running game, tackling techniques and so forth are worlds apart.
 
Did you watch Hunt at age 21 he was no better than Brooks at the same age. Hunt has come a long way in the last two years. A stint in reserve grade to get his confidence up would be the best thing for Brooks.
 
@Fumbles said:
Did you watch Hunt at age 21 he was no better than Brooks at the same age. Hunt has come a long way in the last two years. A stint in reserve grade to get his confidence up would be the best thing for Brooks.

As I said - some things you can put down to experience, and some things you can't. Put simply, he's not where he should be and doesn't look to be improving.
It also took a change of coach for Hunt to fire….
 
@stevied said:
Ha ha, that's good Demps and spot on. We can't upset the boys by dropping Brooks can we?

Yeah, could mean for trouble
Moses > Brooks though.

Brooks was a passenger tonight.
 
I think benching Brooks might be a good thing. Can't arrest a freefall by doing the same thing week in week out. JLJ is no frills and will force Moses to take charge. He is a decent defender as well.
 
@Cultured Bogan said:
I think benching Brooks might be a good thing. Can't arrest a freefall by doing the same thing week in week out. JLJ is no frills and will force Moses to take charge. He is a decent defender as well.

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The club needs to seriously reassess whether he's the answer. They won't, but they should at least entertain the possibility. Moses is the one they need to go all in on. If Moses kicks on, we can get away with a halfback whose there to be a foil for Mitchell. Sort of like a Johnson/Robson type combo.
 
@GNR4LIFE said:
The club needs to seriously reassess whether he's the answer. They won't, but they should at least entertain the possibility. Moses is the one they need to go all in on. If Moses kicks on, we can get away with a halfback whose there to be a foil for Mitchell. Sort of like a Johnson/Robson type combo.

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