Luke Brooks

[innsaneink]

So far today we have seen…..

Brooks is not a first grade halfback and Moses 'can play'

That will do me.

Sounds like a bad load of gear is being sold on the streets.

Hehe now you know why it is called the "silly" season

Hows the body lingo lookin?

 

[Tiger_Steve]

I’ll start listening to Mark Geyer when he can string together a coherent sentence. Never in my life have I heard someone so out of their depth as Geyer is on radio! Neanderthal.

 

[The_Patriot]

I’ll start listening to Mark Geyer when he can string together a coherent sentence. Never in my life have I heard someone so out of their depth as Geyer is on radio! Neanderthal.

X 2

 

[jadtiger]

So far today we have seen…..

Brooks is not a first grade halfback and Moses 'can play'

That will do me.

Sounds like a bad load of gear is being sold on the streets.

Hehe now you know why it is called the "silly" season

Hows the body lingo lookin?

I am a terrible judge i didnt think Woods Tedesco or Cleary would abandon us so if i say something put all your money on the opposite

 

[goldcoast_tiger]

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.

Good post.

Don’t agree with you on Teddy not going to another level,
Once he got used to the players around him ,he was able to do a lot a lot more with the talent that he’s always had,
The biggest difference for him , once he fitted into their game , was that opposition teams could not afford to concentrate all their defencive attention at him., which gives him more leeway to use his skill more often.
While he was here, teams could Be pretty sure that if they could stop him, there wasn’t a lot of attacking players to worry too much about.
At a stronger team it’s a lot harder to isolate him as much , as there are others who will take advantage of the gaps that will come their way.
I think thatnext year he will be even better than he was this season with the experience that he’s getting.
. Ihope so for the sake of NsW anyway, and hope he has an off day against us

 

[Russell]

I’ll start listening to Mark Geyer when he can string together a coherent sentence. Never in my life have I heard someone so out of their depth as Geyer is on radio! Neanderthal.

X 2

X 3

 

[notarealtiger]

I somewhat agree. His attacking game hasn't really gotten better, people just notice him more now. I honestly expected him to be more dominant than he is currently (kind of like how he is in Origin).

But defensively he's improved a fair bit I would say.

 

[innsaneink]

Have a look at some of his try assists, left to right and right to left…some beautiful, fast, on the money passing in traffic isnt easy to do he didnt have that with us but in this instance its not just him...its the team hes in

 

[Roar_Power]

For me personally, we are toast without Brooks. Doesn't miss games, getting better every year, just needs some decent players around him. I believe we are creating a stronger, more consistent side. He is our marquee player moving forward. Madge will take him to the next level. If he goes, its going to be a big kick in the guts for the Tigers and our growth as a team over the next few seasons.
Additionally I think Reynolds has to go. Unlikely, but some of his dollars need to be directed at Brooks. Maybe look to pick up a cheaper replacement (with upside) who can gel with Brooks' game.

 

[Snake]

Brooks is certainly a competent NRL player but he certainly is NOT good enough to get into a bidding war over. He has major short comings in the red zone and his personality DOES NOT allow him to run a team around the park this has been proven on many occasions….defensively he has improved .
If he chooses to stay he still will be paid good money but if he moves on IMO his position can be filled without to much trouble.I just do not see Brooks game going to another level which would be required for the team to play finals footy.

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

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.

Good post.

Don’t agree with you on Teddy not going to another level,
Once he got used to the players around him ,he was able to do a lot a lot more with the talent that he’s always had,
The biggest difference for him , once he fitted into their game , was that opposition teams could not afford to concentrate all their defencive attention at him., which gives him more leeway to use his skill more often.
While he was here, teams could Be pretty sure that if they could stop him, there wasn’t a lot of attacking players to worry too much about.
At a stronger team it’s a lot harder to isolate him as much , as there are others who will take advantage of the gaps that will come their way.
I think thatnext year he will be even better than he was this season with the experience that he’s getting.
. Ihope so for the sake of NsW anyway, and hope he has an off day against us

So he's using his already prevalent skills he had with us more because he's not the only attacking option at Easts?

So that's because of the team around him, which was Lauren's point. He's always had the skill, he's just not nullified as easily because of the team that surrounds him. He hasn't developed anything new to his game.

 

[Telltails]

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.

Good post.

Don’t agree with you on Teddy not going to another level,
Once he got used to the players around him ,he was able to do a lot a lot more with the talent that he’s always had,
The biggest difference for him , once he fitted into their game , was that opposition teams could not afford to concentrate all their defencive attention at him., which gives him more leeway to use his skill more often.
While he was here, teams could Be pretty sure that if they could stop him, there wasn’t a lot of attacking players to worry too much about.
At a stronger team it’s a lot harder to isolate him as much , as there are others who will take advantage of the gaps that will come their way.
I think thatnext year he will be even better than he was this season with the experience that he’s getting.
. Ihope so for the sake of NsW anyway, and hope he has an off day against us

The fact he has more opportunity to use his talents doesn’t automatically mean his skill level has increased. Nor does his ability to “get used to playing” in a Top 4 team (pre 2018) full of attack weapons.
The only difference I saw in Teddy this year is that he does put his body on the line now and then at club level, and is no longer frightened of getting smashed in every tackle…it's now every 2nd tackle. But he’s been doing that for Origin since 2016, so you can’t attribute that as him further developing his game but rather the team he's playing for.
If he developed a great kicking game or something else yeah I might be inclined to agree. But he did exactly the same as what he was doing for us for years, he just no longer has all pressure on him. I don’t see any evolution in his game at all. He’s still a game breaker and it only looks more impressive because as you point out, "opposition teams could not afford to concentrate all their defensive attention at him". But that says more about the players around him.

IDK if this specific post is coming across as petty as it’s not my intent. While I actually wouldn’t want to see him return to the club, I do still die a little inside when he does something great. I honestly just think of what could have been.
Though Billy Slater will forever be known as the greatest fullback ever, what Tedesco could’ve been for the club could’ve been virtually as iconic for the game of Rugby League. I can’t think of any of the greats - from either the ARL or NRL eras - other than Reg Gasnier, who only ever played with the one club from junior level. It’s near impossible and would’ve been such a unique achievement in its own.
He was always destined to become the best fullback in the game as we all knew the time was nearing for him to receive the mantle from Slater. I think he has a shorter window of time than Slater, with the emergence of Ponga and Holmes, so am glad he's taking his opportunities. But I can't say he’s gotten better just because of his accomplishments this year - namely a premiership with a team like the Roosters.

When you are signed as a marquee player by the Roosters it comes with a level of pressure to perform and I think Teddy matured as a player this year with that responsibility.
We all know he had the skills but playing with a team that expects to succeed was a totally different scenario for Teddy and I think not only did he have an outstanding year at the Roosters but also at SOO level - and was a significant factor in both those teams achieving success this year.
Clubs like the Roosters and Broncos buy players every year that they think can help them get the edge over others to achieve success - some thrive in that environment and others struggle. Teddy just proved this year that he is the real deal and I certainly think his game has gone to another level.

 

[goldcoast_tiger]

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.

Good post.

Don’t agree with you on Teddy not going to another level,
Once he got used to the players around him ,he was able to do a lot a lot more with the talent that he’s always had,
The biggest difference for him , once he fitted into their game , was that opposition teams could not afford to concentrate all their defencive attention at him., which gives him more leeway to use his skill more often.
While he was here, teams could Be pretty sure that if they could stop him, there wasn’t a lot of attacking players to worry too much about.
At a stronger team it’s a lot harder to isolate him as much , as there are others who will take advantage of the gaps that will come their way.
I think thatnext year he will be even better than he was this season with the experience that he’s getting.
. Ihope so for the sake of NsW anyway, and hope he has an off day against us

So he's using his already prevalent skills he had with us more because he's not the only attacking option at Easts?

So that's because of the team around him, which was Lauren's point. He's always had the skill, he's just not nullified as easily because of the team that surrounds him. He hasn't developed anything new to his game.

Of course they help, but it’s plain to see that he learning from others around him, his natural talent may still be There, but he’s learning heaps from being in a team like that and still getting better,
I think Brooks or any young players would benefit from being in a strong team, not just Teddy

AND No, I don’t want to see Brooks leave here, , but it must be something that anyone in his place would have to consider, he’s only got one RL career,
And he has to make the most of it while he can.
I’m still not completely sold on some of the things that he does, but hopefully he can set up his life for good if he makes the most of this opportunity.

 

[Tigerdon]

I don’t disagree with any of your post Lauren.
The best halves in the comp had experience next to them and none of them had a complete game before the age of 24.
Brooks mostly had Mitch Moses next to him.
And didn’t have the most experienced of coaches like Potter and Taylor.
If he goes to the Roosters with his speed they will be unstoppable. Trent Robinson is blessed with the talent in that team. To have the quickest halfback in the game as well… it will take their backline play to a new level.

 

[Russell]

He's worth 800 now imo.

He is what, 23 years old and has, I would think 10 years left - he will improve as much again as he did this year if he can have a stable spine and a few players that draw a bit of attention away from him (we don't have too many of them). A few to run lines (at least we now have Rowdy and Matterson) and maybe Madge can get a few more doing the same, get Reynolds staying on the field, Mbye pushing up the middle, quick PTB's from Liddle and Luke will do ok.

Let him go and you have crap to fill the void. Best of those is Johnson (past it and always has been overrated) that leaves us with nobody.

I know people are impatient but he is still a youngster but just because he is a half back doesn't mean he wields a team around the park like Thurston and Cronk - they have been doing it for ten years past his age. Neither of them would be doing as well as they did if playing for us over the past 5 years I can tell you that.

 

[Tcat]

In my opinion, I think Luke will stay with WTs. I think Cleary leaving will be a blessing in disguise as I think his game will have increased development under Madge. I think Madge will have higher demands and place more accountability on Brooks as an NRL half which is what he needs. Luke could explore the option of going to the Roosters but he gets so much more by staying.

By staying with the WTs he can become a club legend with potential post playing options(wont be/get that at the Roosters), future club captain (wont be that at the Roosters), knows the clubs values and loyalty we have shown him (Roosters wouldn't know anything about that).

 

[avocadoontoast]

He's worth 800 now imo.

He is what, 23 years old and has, I would think 10 years left - he will improve as much again as he did this year if he can have a stable spine and a few players that draw a bit of attention away from him (we don't have too many of them). A few to run lines (at least we now have Rowdy and Matterson) and maybe Madge can get a few more doing the same, get Reynolds staying on the field, Mbye pushing up the middle, quick PTB's from Liddle and Luke will do ok.

Let him go and you have crap to fill the void. Best of those is Johnson (past it and always has been overrated) that leaves us with nobody.

I know people are impatient but he is still a youngster but just because he is a half back doesn't mean he wields a team around the park like Thurston and Cronk - they have been doing it for ten years past his age. Neither of them would be doing as well as they did if playing for us over the past 5 years I can tell you that.

Spot on Russ. Totally agree.

 

[jadtiger]

He's worth 800 now imo.

He is what, 23 years old and has, I would think 10 years left - he will improve as much again as he did this year if he can have a stable spine and a few players that draw a bit of attention away from him (we don't have too many of them). A few to run lines (at least we now have Rowdy and Matterson) and maybe Madge can get a few more doing the same, get Reynolds staying on the field, Mbye pushing up the middle, quick PTB's from Liddle and Luke will do ok.

Let him go and you have crap to fill the void. Best of those is Johnson (past it and always has been overrated) that leaves us with nobody.

I know people are impatient but he is still a youngster but just because he is a half back doesn't mean he wields a team around the park like Thurston and Cronk - they have been doing it for ten years past his age. Neither of them would be doing as well as they did if playing for us over the past 5 years I can tell you that.

I agree with everything you say there and even though i dont like long term contracts i would be trying to sign him for 4 years.

 

[Spartan117]

Brooks will come good. He is about to enter the golden period of his career.

Plus

He is 100 % Tigers

 

[gallagher]

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.

Good post.

Don’t agree with you on Teddy not going to another level,
Once he got used to the players around him ,he was able to do a lot a lot more with the talent that he’s always had,
The biggest difference for him , once he fitted into their game , was that opposition teams could not afford to concentrate all their defencive attention at him., which gives him more leeway to use his skill more often.
While he was here, teams could Be pretty sure that if they could stop him, there wasn’t a lot of attacking players to worry too much about.
At a stronger team it’s a lot harder to isolate him as much , as there are others who will take advantage of the gaps that will come their way.
I think thatnext year he will be even better than he was this season with the experience that he’s getting.
. Ihope so for the sake of NsW anyway, and hope he has an off day against us

The fact he has more opportunity to use his talents doesn’t automatically mean his skill level has increased. Nor does his ability to “get used to playing” in a Top 4 team (pre 2018) full of attack weapons.
The only difference I saw in Teddy this year is that he does put his body on the line now and then at club level, and is no longer frightened of getting smashed in every tackle…it's now every 2nd tackle. But he’s been doing that for Origin since 2016, so you can’t attribute that as him further developing his game but rather the team he's playing for.
If he developed a great kicking game or something else yeah I might be inclined to agree. But he did exactly the same as what he was doing for us for years, he just no longer has all pressure on him. I don’t see any evolution in his game at all. He’s still a game breaker and it only looks more impressive because as you point out, "opposition teams could not afford to concentrate all their defensive attention at him". But that says more about the players around him.

IDK if this specific post is coming across as petty as it’s not my intent. While I actually wouldn’t want to see him return to the club, I do still die a little inside when he does something great. I honestly just think of what could have been.
Though Billy Slater will forever be known as the greatest fullback ever, what Tedesco could’ve been for the club could’ve been virtually as iconic for the game of Rugby League. I can’t think of any of the greats - from either the ARL or NRL eras - other than Reg Gasnier, who only ever played with the one club from junior level. It’s near impossible and would’ve been such a unique achievement in its own.
He was always destined to become the best fullback in the game as we all knew the time was nearing for him to receive the mantle from Slater. I think he has a shorter window of time than Slater, with the emergence of Ponga and Holmes, so am glad he's taking his opportunities. But I can't say he’s gotten better just because of his accomplishments this year - namely a premiership with a team like the Roosters.

Plenty of greats have played at more than one club. Tedescos ranking of greatness wil depend his abilities and achievements, not the number of clubs he played at.