Luke Brooks

[Milky]

My favourite tiger ever…

If he leaves I will be greatly disappointed.

However, if he goes to the Storm or Chooks you cannot blame him. Will take his game to the absolute next level..

 

[Chris]

This is EXACTLY where I think the NRL has lost the true essence of the game that most of us growing up in the 70's, 80's and 90's had. We have lost that one club player that us kids idolised while we grew up. Most clubs nurtured their juniors and brought them through to the top grade and that's where most stayed until they retired. It would have been unthinkable that the club's marquee junior would leave to play else where.

This is a luxury that we dont have today. Rare is it for a club to have a one club player. Rugby league is a business now on both sides of the game. From the players to the clubs, it's all about the money and I guess there's nothing wrong with that.

With that being said, I strongly believe that the NRL can fix this where everyone gets the money and we get our one club players back!

Let's use Luke Brooks and the Roosters as our example.

Luke Brooks is a Wests Tigers junior. He played all his junior footy with us, all the way through to the top grade. From the time Luke Brooks hits the top grade, he should be exempt from the tigers salary cap and the Tigers be allowed to pay him what they think he is worth as a reward for the time and effort they spent on bringing him through.

The NRL in turn should lower everyone's salary cap to deter clubs like the Roosters from buying juniors who have been developed by other clubs and encourage them to build their own nurseries.

For me, this is a win/win situation where players get the money they deserve from the club that nurtured them through, the fans keep their one club players and ALL the NRL clubs are forced to pump money back into grass roots footy which builds the game from underneath.

 

[mike]

This is EXACTLY where I think the NRL has lost the true essence of the game that most of us growing up in the 70's, 80's and 90's had. We have lost that one club player that us kids idolised while we grew up. Most clubs nurtured their juniors and brought them through to the top grade and that's where most stayed until they retired. It would have been unthinkable that the club's marquee junior would leave to play else where.

This is a luxury that we dont have today. Rare is it for a club to have a one club player. Rugby league is a business now on both sides of the game. From the players to the clubs, it's all about the money and I guess there's nothing wrong with that.

With that being said, I strongly believe that the NRL can fix this where everyone gets the money and we get our one club players back!

Let's use Luke Brooks and the Roosters as our example.

Luke Brooks is a Wests Tigers junior. He played all his junior footy with us, all the way through to the top grade. From the time Luke Brooks hits the top grade, he should be exempt from the tigers salary cap and the Tigers be allowed to pay him what they think he is worth as a reward for the time and effort they spent on bringing him through.

The NRL in turn should lower everyone's salary cap to deter clubs like the Roosters from buying juniors who have been developed by other clubs and encourage them to build their own nurseries.

For me, this is a win/win situation where players get the money they deserve from the club that nurtured them through, the fans keep their one club players and ALL the NRL clubs are forced to pump money back into grass roots footy which builds the game from underneath.

Thats a great idea. Unfortunately I don’t think there is anyone in a position in the NRL to implement such a change. The clubs who would least benifit currently have the most influence in the NRL.

 

[momo_amp_medo]

This is EXACTLY where I think the NRL has lost the true essence of the game that most of us growing up in the 70's, 80's and 90's had. We have lost that one club player that us kids idolised while we grew up. Most clubs nurtured their juniors and brought them through to the top grade and that's where most stayed until they retired. It would have been unthinkable that the club's marquee junior would leave to play else where.

This is a luxury that we dont have today. Rare is it for a club to have a one club player. Rugby league is a business now on both sides of the game. From the players to the clubs, it's all about the money and I guess there's nothing wrong with that.

With that being said, I strongly believe that the NRL can fix this where everyone gets the money and we get our one club players back!

Let's use Luke Brooks and the Roosters as our example.

Luke Brooks is a Wests Tigers junior. He played all his junior footy with us, all the way through to the top grade. From the time Luke Brooks hits the top grade, he should be exempt from the tigers salary cap and the Tigers be allowed to pay him what they think he is worth as a reward for the time and effort they spent on bringing him through.

The NRL in turn should lower everyone's salary cap to deter clubs like the Roosters from buying juniors who have been developed by other clubs and encourage them to build their own nurseries.

For me, this is a win/win situation where players get the money they deserve from the club that nurtured them through, the fans keep their one club players and ALL the NRL clubs are forced to pump money back into grass roots footy which builds the game from underneath.

100%
But NRL always runs to the clubs first for endorsement before implementing what are very logical steps in protecting weaker clubs. And there lies the problem …... the deep pocket clubs run this game and not the NRL hierarchy.
So don’t hold your breath waiting for something like this or any improvements on tightening the TPAs and the salary cap issues.

 

[NT_Tiger]

This is EXACTLY where I think the NRL has lost the true essence of the game that most of us growing up in the 70's, 80's and 90's had. We have lost that one club player that us kids idolised while we grew up. Most clubs nurtured their juniors and brought them through to the top grade and that's where most stayed until they retired. It would have been unthinkable that the club's marquee junior would leave to play else where.

This is a luxury that we dont have today. Rare is it for a club to have a one club player. Rugby league is a business now on both sides of the game. From the players to the clubs, it's all about the money and I guess there's nothing wrong with that.

With that being said, I strongly believe that the NRL can fix this where everyone gets the money and we get our one club players back!

Let's use Luke Brooks and the Roosters as our example.

Luke Brooks is a Wests Tigers junior. He played all his junior footy with us, all the way through to the top grade. From the time Luke Brooks hits the top grade, he should be exempt from the tigers salary cap and the Tigers be allowed to pay him what they think he is worth as a reward for the time and effort they spent on bringing him through.

The NRL in turn should lower everyone's salary cap to deter clubs like the Roosters from buying juniors who have been developed by other clubs and encourage them to build their own nurseries.

For me, this is a win/win situation where players get the money they deserve from the club that nurtured them through, the fans keep their one club players and ALL the NRL clubs are forced to pump money back into grass roots footy which builds the game from underneath.

100%
But NRL always runs to the clubs first for endorsement before implementing what are very logical steps in protecting weaker clubs. And there lies the problem …... the deep pocket clubs run this game and not the NRL hierarchy.
So don’t hold your breath waiting for something like this or any improvements on tightening the TPAs and the salary cap issues.

And so the game will dwindle away as fans lose interest.

 

[Pawsandclaws]

Many assume that Brooks has the same values as Tedesco. From everything we know about him, Brooks values his Balmain and WTs heritage.

 

[Tiger_Steve]

This is EXACTLY where I think the NRL has lost the true essence of the game that most of us growing up in the 70's, 80's and 90's had. We have lost that one club player that us kids idolised while we grew up. Most clubs nurtured their juniors and brought them through to the top grade and that's where most stayed until they retired. It would have been unthinkable that the club's marquee junior would leave to play else where.

This is a luxury that we dont have today. Rare is it for a club to have a one club player. Rugby league is a business now on both sides of the game. From the players to the clubs, it's all about the money and I guess there's nothing wrong with that.

With that being said, I strongly believe that the NRL can fix this where everyone gets the money and we get our one club players back!

Let's use Luke Brooks and the Roosters as our example.

Luke Brooks is a Wests Tigers junior. He played all his junior footy with us, all the way through to the top grade. From the time Luke Brooks hits the top grade, he should be exempt from the tigers salary cap and the Tigers be allowed to pay him what they think he is worth as a reward for the time and effort they spent on bringing him through.

The NRL in turn should lower everyone's salary cap to deter clubs like the Roosters from buying juniors who have been developed by other clubs and encourage them to build their own nurseries.

For me, this is a win/win situation where players get the money they deserve from the club that nurtured them through, the fans keep their one club players and ALL the NRL clubs are forced to pump money back into grass roots footy which builds the game from underneath.

Absolutely Chris. I’ve been saying this forever. Clubs should be rewarded for developing talent. Why should the rorters be rewarded for giving nothing to the game?
Also, growing up I loved following the Tigers- and the genesis of the club rarely changed. There was the McMahon, Bendall, Wighan, Knight, Corowa era then the Pearce, Blocka, Siro, Elias era. When there was a chance of Bennett coming and maybe Darius Boyd I was thinking - I can’t stand Boyd, how can I support him? Rugby league is tribal. Fans want a nucleus in a team to respect and follow. As you articulated so well, this is now dead.

 

[old_man_tiger]

Luke should ask himself "is this my window to cash in?"

IMO no. I think he will develop further over the next 2 or 3 years and will still be young enough to reassess his options.

Last season was the first time he convinced many observers. Would be a shame to not build on that after the club and he both made it work after a questionable contract to begin with.

One thing's for sure, he took a paycut and doesn't owe us anymore. He should get market value which I hope is around 800/900k. If it's more we have a tougher decision to make.

 

[happy_tiger]

This is EXACTLY where I think the NRL has lost the true essence of the game that most of us growing up in the 70's, 80's and 90's had. We have lost that one club player that us kids idolised while we grew up. Most clubs nurtured their juniors and brought them through to the top grade and that's where most stayed until they retired. It would have been unthinkable that the club's marquee junior would leave to play else where.

This is a luxury that we dont have today. Rare is it for a club to have a one club player. Rugby league is a business now on both sides of the game. From the players to the clubs, it's all about the money and I guess there's nothing wrong with that.

With that being said, I strongly believe that the NRL can fix this where everyone gets the money and we get our one club players back!

Let's use Luke Brooks and the Roosters as our example.

Luke Brooks is a Wests Tigers junior. He played all his junior footy with us, all the way through to the top grade. From the time Luke Brooks hits the top grade, he should be exempt from the tigers salary cap and the Tigers be allowed to pay him what they think he is worth as a reward for the time and effort they spent on bringing him through.

The NRL in turn should lower everyone's salary cap to deter clubs like the Roosters from buying juniors who have been developed by other clubs and encourage them to build their own nurseries.

For me, this is a win/win situation where players get the money they deserve from the club that nurtured them through, the fans keep their one club players and ALL the NRL clubs are forced to pump money back into grass roots footy which builds the game from underneath.

Totally agree , but this will never happen with a salary cap

Lose the salary cap and you will have a two tiered comp unfortunately

 

[yeti]

I would have to say that if the Rorters poach Brooks, I"ll probably give it away. A waste of time.

 

[hammertime]

I thought he was changing managers?

I would feel a lot more comfortable if he had someone other than Issac Moses there as the bloke is definitely a loose cannon. Certainly didn't do his due diligence at the Bulldogs for woodsy.

Really hope Luke resigns. But can't blame him if he leaves. A lot of 'supporters' were laying the boot in before the start of last year.

 

[jadtiger]

I would have to say that if the Rorters poach Brooks, I"ll probably give it away. A waste of time.

I would never stop supporting WT all losing Brooks to the roosters would prove to me is the NRL have no interest in a fair competition but only looking after their mates(roosters,broncos storm mainly)

 

[NT_Tiger]

I would have to say that if the Rorters poach Brooks, I"ll probably give it away. A waste of time.

I would never stop supporting WT all losing Brooks to the roosters would prove to me is the NRL have no interest in a fair competition but only looking after their mates(roosters,broncos storm mainly)

Interesting. I can see both sides of this and agree. I reckon I would always support Wests Tigers but the competition itself is becoming more and more an open joke. I reckon I just wouldn't devote as much time to following what are fairly (or unfairly) bogus results.

 

[Pawsandclaws]

I don't agree that Teddy actually took his game to another level at all, he's always been superb in my eyes. Just look at who he's playing for. He's playing for the team who recruits the cream of the crop, of the NRL. So is surrounded by high quality players. I was offended how he apparently only learned how to tackle under Robinson. Pfft. Cmon he's getting the golden boot because of the team he plays for and because people actually notice him now. TPJ, Munster and Holmes etc. are players who have taken their game to the next level. Even Taukeiaho or Kikau are a better example.

If Brooks goes, I hope its to the Storm. Players who go there genuinely want to become better players unlike at Roosters where everything is readymade for them.
That's why I loved JT as a player. He challenged himself at every level and became loyal to the club that gave him his first real crack at NRL. He was only ever fully committed to get Cowboys their first premiership.

One thing I do hope the Wests Tigers get right from this ordeal (of the past 2 years)as much as club stability is the focus on player retention. It is hard as a fan knowing we've let players like Taupau, Teddy and JAC go but IMO even players like Te Maire Martin and Papenhuyzen would've been great to still have in our system.

Tedesco took his game to another club. It was his second attempt after initially chasing the green bucks. I don't car about him and hope he never sets foot at WTs again. I can't understand the admiration by some supporters as he did all he could to get out of the Campbelltown Macarthur region,. This is quite a difference situation to Brooks.

 

[TheDaBoss]

I don't agree that Teddy actually took his game to another level at all, he's always been superb in my eyes. Just look at who he's playing for. He's playing for the team who recruits the cream of the crop, of the NRL. So is surrounded by high quality players. I was offended how he apparently only learned how to tackle under Robinson. Pfft. Cmon he's getting the golden boot because of the team he plays for and because people actually notice him now. TPJ, Munster and Holmes etc. are players who have taken their game to the next level. Even Taukeiaho or Kikau are a better example.

If Brooks goes, I hope its to the Storm. Players who go there genuinely want to become better players unlike at Roosters where everything is readymade for them.
That's why I loved JT as a player. He challenged himself at every level and became loyal to the club that gave him his first real crack at NRL. He was only ever fully committed to get Cowboys their first premiership.

One thing I do hope the Wests Tigers get right from this ordeal (of the past 2 years)as much as club stability is the focus on player retention. It is hard as a fan knowing we've let players like Taupau, Teddy and JAC go but IMO even players like Te Maire Martin and Papenhuyzen would've been great to still have in our system.

Tedesco took his game to another club. It was his second attempt after initially chasing the green bucks. I don't car about him and hope he never sets foot at WTs again. I can't understand the admiration by some supporters as he did all he could to get out of the Campbelltown Macarthur region,. This is quite a difference situation to Brooks.

buy one Teddy get a Woodsie Free

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

Nathan Cleary was never going anywhere else. Granted Penrith are a top 8 side, but what was stopping him from signing with Easts in 2020?

What is to say that Brooks won't do the same?

Yes, here we go again. Benefit of the doubt. Just like we did with Ivan. Nothing official yet. I’m sure it’s just the media beating it up. After all , why would he join the Roosters?? Just because Teddy won a minor premiership and then the major premiership along with the Arthur Beetson player of the year, also then won a state of origin series and to top it off an Australian jersey. I think your right ! I’m sure Luke will stay, with us.

No need to be a twat about it. Everyone is talking like he has already gone.

I concede it would be very alluring to go to Easts for Brooks, we're kidding ourselves if we think that Easts haven't already been talking to him. Brooks turned down advances from Melbourne to stay here last time.

Twat ? The only twats on here are the delusional nuffies who get involved in over 200 pages of diatribe regarding Ivan and his odd looking son, which in the end was all to no avail. Saying that Luke knocked back advances from Melbourne who are miles away in bleak city is totally different to joining a club that is with-in walking distance, which has your best mate (Teddy ) playing there. Not to mention all the caffe lattes they will be enjoying together as they watch the scantily clad females walking by down Coogee Bay Rd.

Why is it different? Brooks could have waltzed straight into a premiership contender and may have been the difference for them this year. And it does not take away from my original post. Nathan could have easily waited for Easts to stroll in and wave the cabbage under his snout, but he didn't. Granted, Penrith are in a better position than us, but they are not in the same league as Easts.

Brooks may wait to see how things pan out this year. I'm of two minds about this, one half of me says that it would be a massive slap in the face to the club which has persisted with him for years and now that he is coming out of his shell he will leg it first opportunity, the other half says that given that we're the lovable losers of the NRL and this year becomes another "what if" I wouldn't begrudge Luke for taking an opportunity elsewhere.

Years of mismanagement has allowed this culture to fester and is somewhat responsible for the situation we find now with our most talented juniors in years walking out to taste success elsewhere.

 

[supercoach]

This is EXACTLY where I think the NRL has lost the true essence of the game that most of us growing up in the 70's, 80's and 90's had. We have lost that one club player that us kids idolised while we grew up. Most clubs nurtured their juniors and brought them through to the top grade and that's where most stayed until they retired. It would have been unthinkable that the club's marquee junior would leave to play else where.

This is a luxury that we dont have today. Rare is it for a club to have a one club player. Rugby league is a business now on both sides of the game. From the players to the clubs, it's all about the money and I guess there's nothing wrong with that.

With that being said, I strongly believe that the NRL can fix this where everyone gets the money and we get our one club players back!

Let's use Luke Brooks and the Roosters as our example.

Luke Brooks is a Wests Tigers junior. He played all his junior footy with us, all the way through to the top grade. From the time Luke Brooks hits the top grade, he should be exempt from the tigers salary cap and the Tigers be allowed to pay him what they think he is worth as a reward for the time and effort they spent on bringing him through.

The NRL in turn should lower everyone's salary cap to deter clubs like the Roosters from buying juniors who have been developed by other clubs and encourage them to build their own nurseries.

For me, this is a win/win situation where players get the money they deserve from the club that nurtured them through, the fans keep their one club players and ALL the NRL clubs are forced to pump money back into grass roots footy which builds the game from underneath.

Totally agree , but this will never happen with a salary cap

Lose the salary cap and you will have a two tiered comp unfortunately

Agree with Chris 100%, but teams like the Chooks also target the elite juniors and put them into their junior systems for a couple of years so than they can call them juniors. You would have to define a local junior as a kid who has only played in one junior system and that than becomes unfair as families move around these days

 

[Byron_Bay_Fan]

But Luke's often poor choices in kicking last season left me a bit flattish towards him. Of course I prefer we keep him but if he wants to look around then that works both ways. He will end up another Mitch or Teddy???

 

[avocadoontoast]

But Luke's often poor choices in kicking last season left me a bit flattish towards him. Of course I prefer we keep him but if he wants to look around then that works both ways. He will end up another Mitch or Teddy???

Who do you replace him with though?

 

[Tcat]

Imagine if one day our club is highly sort after by players and we might have for example 2 x good half backs to choose from, rather than be praying for our current to stay.