Luke Brooks

[Tiger_Fanatic3]

The one thing I seriously hate is when he sends the same useless bomb into the oppositions wing player, who 10/10 times is always there.

Like.. do something different for once, even send a bomb into no mans land or possibly a chip and kick for yourself for once.. he has the speed but seriously doesnt back himself.

On the positive note, you can see he is slowly changing and I personally believe I rate him and that he has been going better than other halves in the comp IMO.

I think we're in for a Brooks special this weekend...

The last sentence will do me.

 

[Tiger5150]

The one thing I seriously hate is when he sends the same useless bomb into the oppositions wing player, who 10/10 times is always there.

Not having a crack at you djg specifically, just using your post as a launch point.

One thing that seriously grinds my gears is seeing Brooks critics bemoaning the fact that he is a "poor game manager" and then also criticising "Useless bombs to the winger".

This IS game management, that all the good teams do. The game is all about field position and for years we have needed the team to improve the management of field position. Our results have not been stellar this year but I AM seeing a vast improvement in this part of our game and it is resulting in better sets and completions.

You are correct in saying 10/10 times the winger is there but what you are missing is that 10/10 times our chase is also there because they are set up for it. Its a bomb so it gives our chase (which has also been improved this year) time to get there and try to force the opposition to start their set in the corner. Against Knights and Souffs we did this really well.

Like.. do something different for once, even send a bomb into no mans land or possibly a chip and kick for yourself for once..

Bomb into no mans land and the fullback gets the ball, possibly at speed, central in the field against a staggered or broken defence. We have seen this many times in the past and it often ends poorly.

When Brooks does something different and when he chips for himself...the criticism is the tea doesnt know what he is doing.

 

[JC99]

The one thing I seriously hate is when he sends the same useless bomb into the oppositions wing player, who 10/10 times is always there.


Not having a crack at you djg specifically, just using your post as a launch point.

One thing that seriously grinds my gears is seeing Brooks critics bemoaning the fact that he is a "poor game manager" and then also criticising "Useless bombs to the winger".

This IS game management, that all the good teams do. The game is all about field position and for years we have needed the team to improve the management of field position. Our results have not been stellar this year but I AM seeing a vast improvement in this part of our game and it is resulting in better sets and completions.

You are correct in saying 10/10 times the winger is there but what you are missing is that 10/10 times our chase is also there because they are set up for it. Its a bomb so it gives our chase (which has also been improved this year) time to get there and try to force the opposition to start their set in the corner. Against Knights and Souffs we did this really well.

Like.. do something different for once, even send a bomb into no mans land or possibly a chip and kick for yourself for once..

Bomb into no mans land and the fullback gets the ball, possibly at speed, central in the field against a staggered or broken defence. We have seen this many times in the past and it often ends poorly.

When Brooks does something different and when he chips for himself...the criticism is the tea doesnt know what he is doing.

Sorry but when you're in your own half and doing a long kick the idea is to either put it right in the corner or find the grass, he does neither normally just dropping the ball about 30 out to the winger on the full. His long kicking game is abysmal - never kicks a 40/20, never kicks early to try find the corner, never rolls long kicks into the in goal, rarely drops kicks near the try line unless we are in the opposition 20.

Watch his long kicking compared to DCE, Reynolds or Cleary and there's a big difference, long kicking is his worst attribute and it always has been, never kicks a ball that's difficult for the opposition to catch like Doueihi can. Often times this year when he has kicked he hasn't put them high enough so chasers can't compete for the ball and opposition wingers can get a wind up and that's been pointed out by commentators and forum members alike

His short kicking has been getting a lot better particularly last week. He's dropping attacking kicks on the tryline which has resulted in errors repeat sets or tries which is excellent. He even brought his grubber back last game after his poor start to the year with it which is probably a confidence thing.

 

[Tiger5150]

The one thing I seriously hate is when he sends the same useless bomb into the oppositions wing player, who 10/10 times is always there.


Not having a crack at you djg specifically, just using your post as a launch point.

One thing that seriously grinds my gears is seeing Brooks critics bemoaning the fact that he is a "poor game manager" and then also criticising "Useless bombs to the winger".

This IS game management, that all the good teams do. The game is all about field position and for years we have needed the team to improve the management of field position. Our results have not been stellar this year but I AM seeing a vast improvement in this part of our game and it is resulting in better sets and completions.

You are correct in saying 10/10 times the winger is there but what you are missing is that 10/10 times our chase is also there because they are set up for it. Its a bomb so it gives our chase (which has also been improved this year) time to get there and try to force the opposition to start their set in the corner. Against Knights and Souffs we did this really well.

Like.. do something different for once, even send a bomb into no mans land or possibly a chip and kick for yourself for once..

Bomb into no mans land and the fullback gets the ball, possibly at speed, central in the field against a staggered or broken defence. We have seen this many times in the past and it often ends poorly.

When Brooks does something different and when he chips for himself...the criticism is the tea doesnt know what he is doing.

Sorry but when you're in your own half and doing a long kick the idea is to either put it right in the corner or find the grass, he does neither normally just dropping the ball about 30 out to the winger on the full. His long kicking game is abysmal - never kicks a 40/20, never kicks early to try find the corner, never rolls long kicks into the in goal, rarely drops kicks near the try line unless we are in the opposition 20.

Watch his long kicking compared to DCE, Reynolds or Cleary and there's a big difference, long kicking is his worst attribute and it always has been, never kicks a ball that's difficult for the opposition to catch like Doueihi can.

No question those three are better, they are the best in the NRL. Im not making a case that Brooks has a good long kicking game.

 

[The_Patriot]

Most under stated issue with Luke is the move away from block plays in the modern game. Set plays and block plays make up 80% of his highlight reel. The other 20% is where he takes on the line and uses his speed and strength to get through.

No coincidence in my book that his drop in form has came at the same time the game went away from block plays and more a reliance on heads up, play what you see halves play.

 

[Speed2burn]

Surely nobody actually believes that the mid field bombs don’t serve a purpose?

The Souffs and Dragons game prove that if you have good kick chase it works. Of course 9/10 they are gonna catch it, but the actual idea is to run them out of room so when the opposition winger / fullback do catch the ball the first thing they see is a defensive line infront of them.

I have no problems admitting his long kicking game is terrible though.

 

[Speed2burn]

Most under stated issue with Luke is the move away from block plays in the modern game. Set plays and block plays make up 80% of his highlight reel. The other 20% is where he takes on the line and uses his speed and strength to get through.

No coincidence in my book that his drop in form has came at the same time the game went away from block plays and more a reliance on heads up, play what you see halves play.

I agree. I actually thought he’d be the sort of player to flourish under the new rules and play up tempo footy. He seems to have lost all of his confidence and is still stuck playing high competition footy

 

[JC99]

Most under stated issue with Luke is the move away from block plays in the modern game. Set plays and block plays make up 80% of his highlight reel. The other 20% is where he takes on the line and uses his speed and strength to get through.

No coincidence in my book that his drop in form has came at the same time the game went away from block plays and more a reliance on heads up, play what you see halves play.

I agree. I actually thought he’d be the sort of player to flourish under the new rules and play up tempo footy. He seems to have lost all of his confidence and is still stuck playing high competition footy

It's weird hey, I always thought he'd be better at less structured footy but every time he gets in one of those situations he seems to panic. When we can run the set play like we did for Joeys try last week he did well though

 

[The_Patriot]

Most under stated issue with Luke is the move away from block plays in the modern game. Set plays and block plays make up 80% of his highlight reel. The other 20% is where he takes on the line and uses his speed and strength to get through.

No coincidence in my book that his drop in form has came at the same time the game went away from block plays and more a reliance on heads up, play what you see halves play.

I agree. I actually thought he’d be the sort of player to flourish under the new rules and play up tempo footy. He seems to have lost all of his confidence and is still stuck playing high competition footy

I think he is more your athlete half than a play reader half. Not sure that the new rules have worked out how the game imagined them. Even less half backs are effective now, the gap between the best and the rest has increased.

Might take a year or two for the older style halves to come through. Basically if they cant play eyes up they wont last.

 

[hank37w]

I look forward to the lament thread exploding if Brooks goes to another club.


As Joni Mitchell wrote and sang in "Big Yellow Taxi" You dont know what you've got till its gone

If he leaves paradise Back Door Benny will put up a parking lot. (or whatever else he can make a buck out of)

 

[BAGNF05]

The one thing I seriously hate is when he sends the same useless bomb into the oppositions wing player, who 10/10 times is always there.

Like.. do something different for once, even send a bomb into no mans land or possibly a chip and kick for yourself for once.. he has the speed but seriously doesnt back himself.

On the positive note, you can see he is slowly changing and I personally believe I rate him and that he has been going better than other halves in the comp IMO.

I think we're in for a Brooks special this weekend...

It annoys me sometimes too. I believe it’s a Madge tactic to kick to a corner and then try to force an error in D. Unfortunately the other team normally storms up field through our middle and/or edges.

 

[Madge]

It's a weird one with Brooks - He isn't going to win you a game and he isn't going to lose you a game (in the sense that he is a very good defender and doesn't make many errors). As a whole he is a solid player.

The question though remains is Luke Brooks the right fit for the Wests Tigers and are the Wests Tigers the right fit for Luke Brooks. I'm not quite sure. I would say let this year plan out and then make a decision. The decision at the moment seems to be they are backing him to succeed here and that is okay.

I think we have to understand the role that Brooks plays in our team. Not every halfback has the same role in every team. Many times it has been mentioned that Brooks controls the middle third while Doueihi and Laurie are out the back working on the edges. Sometimes I think Brooks job goes unnoticed in the sense that it allows for the 6 and 1 to do their thing. If that is his job then he is doing it.

As others have mentioned though, he does look low on confidence i.e. he doesnt back himself to do something he would have done a couple of years ago. Probably coaching? probably mental? probably both. I would suggest maybe he is trying to build foundations in his game that might have been lost through a lot of change; coaches, spine partners, overall team and success. I can see increments of improvement in his kicking game (still needs to keep building). Passing game needs variety and I think we will see that with Garner back on his side. His defence has been great for a couple of years now.

I can see his role being a simple one if he stays and that is okay because I think it compliments the style of players Doueihi, Laurie and Simpkin are. He doesnt have to be a dominant halfback, as long as it fits into the team model.

 

[The_Patriot]

It's a weird one with Brooks - He isn't going to win you a game and he isn't going to lose you a game (in the sense that he is a very good defender and doesn't make many errors). As a whole he is a solid player.

The question though remains is Luke Brooks the right fit for the Wests Tigers and are the Wests Tigers the right fit for Luke Brooks. I'm not quite sure. I would say let this year plan out and then make a decision. The decision at the moment seems to be they are backing him to succeed here and that is okay.

I think we have to understand the role that Brooks plays in our team. Not every halfback has the same role in every team. Many times it has been mentioned that Brooks controls the middle third while Doueihi and Laurie are out the back working on the edges. Sometimes I think Brooks job goes unnoticed in the sense that it allows for the 6 and 1 to do their thing. If that is his job then he is doing it.

As others have mentioned though, he does look low on confidence i.e. he doesnt back himself to do something he would have done a couple of years ago. Probably coaching? probably mental? probably both. I would suggest maybe he is trying to build foundations in his game that might have been lost through a lot of change; coaches, spine partners, overall team and success. I can see increments of improvement in his kicking game (still needs to keep building). Passing game needs variety and I think we will see that with Garner back on his side. His defence has been great for a couple of years now.

I can see his role being a simple one if he stays and that is okay because I think it compliments the style of players Doueihi, Laurie and Simpkin are. He doesnt have to be a dominant halfback, as long as it fits into the team model.

My opinion = blah blah blah
The other opinion = blah blah blah

The Truth = YOUR POST!.

Well said

 

[jirskyr]

If we ever extend Luke Brooks' contract again, this thread will finally take down the Lote Tuqiri one as reigning single-player volume champion.

 

[Alex Seyfarth's #1 Fan]

If we ever extend Luke Brooks' contract again, this thread will finally take down the Lote Tuqiri one as reigning single-player volume champion.

He still has some way to go to beat [Latrell Mitchell (7.8K)](https://weststigersforum.com/topic/30320/latrell-mitchell-contract-discussion/7660) and [Josh Addo-Carr (7K)](https://weststigersforum.com/topic/31321/jac/6976). Looks like he will soon surpass [Ivan Cleary (4.4K)](https://weststigersforum.com/topic/28485/ivan-cleary-thread/1) and [James Tedesco (3.7K)](https://weststigersforum.com/topic/24372/james-tedesco-signs-with-roosters-official/1).

I feel there is another twist in the Luke Brooks 2021 tale which will send this thread into overdrive.

 

[TigerBlood93]

The one thing I seriously hate is when he sends the same useless bomb into the oppositions wing player, who 10/10 times is always there.


Not having a crack at you djg specifically, just using your post as a launch point.

One thing that seriously grinds my gears is seeing Brooks critics bemoaning the fact that he is a "poor game manager" and then also criticising "Useless bombs to the winger".

This IS game management, that all the good teams do. The game is all about field position and for years we have needed the team to improve the management of field position. Our results have not been stellar this year but I AM seeing a vast improvement in this part of our game and it is resulting in better sets and completions.

You are correct in saying 10/10 times the winger is there but what you are missing is that 10/10 times our chase is also there because they are set up for it. Its a bomb so it gives our chase (which has also been improved this year) time to get there and try to force the opposition to start their set in the corner. Against Knights and Souffs we did this really well.

Like.. do something different for once, even send a bomb into no mans land or possibly a chip and kick for yourself for once..

Bomb into no mans land and the fullback gets the ball, possibly at speed, central in the field against a staggered or broken defence. We have seen this many times in the past and it often ends poorly.

When Brooks does something different and when he chips for himself...the criticism is the tea doesnt know what he is doing.

Sorry but when you're in your own half and doing a long kick the idea is to either put it right in the corner or find the grass, he does neither normally just dropping the ball about 30 out to the winger on the full. His long kicking game is abysmal - never kicks a 40/20, never kicks early to try find the corner, never rolls long kicks into the in goal, rarely drops kicks near the try line unless we are in the opposition 20.

Watch his long kicking compared to DCE, Reynolds or Cleary and there's a big difference, long kicking is his worst attribute and it always has been, never kicks a ball that's difficult for the opposition to catch like Doueihi can. Often times this year when he has kicked he hasn't put them high enough so chasers can't compete for the ball and opposition wingers can get a wind up and that's been pointed out by commentators and forum members alike

His short kicking has been getting a lot better particularly last week. He's dropping attacking kicks on the tryline which has resulted in errors repeat sets or tries which is excellent. He even brought his grubber back last game after his poor start to the year with it which is probably a confidence thing.

You just listed 3 of the best halfbacks in the game who are also in better sides. I agree they kick better, but who’s got the better tackle
Percentage who also leads them in try assists ?

It sounds like you expect brooks to be the best halfback in the comp in a team that’s coming 13th?

He’s the best we have and he’s not doing anything that warrants the amount of hate he cops!

Yes he’s played 150 odd games, but like we already said before, the amount of times it has been stifled due to club issues. He’s in a new team where the spine is 4 games old. Most of the team have played less than 20 games. We aren’t in sync yet, it takes a spine 30-40 games to play as a unit. He’s doing the best he can in the team we have. The more games we play the better the spine will play. All this talk about chip and chase blah blah, it’s such a risky play that if it fails, guess what you lot will spend the next week bitching and moaning about it. As if every chip and chase is 100% successful. Also to take a risk like that you want to be ahead of the game, not one game this year have we been in front on the scoreboard/momentum for a lengthy period. Why take the risk? 2 teams I see chip and chase a bit are eels and panthers maybe even the storm towards addo car... I wonder what they are sitting on the table...

It’s easy to go back and watch a game and say why didn’t he do that or this, but the fact is he’s one of our best players. The only one with any impressive stats that are leading the comp.

 

[mike]

The one thing I seriously hate is when he sends the same useless bomb into the oppositions wing player, who 10/10 times is always there.


Not having a crack at you djg specifically, just using your post as a launch point.

One thing that seriously grinds my gears is seeing Brooks critics bemoaning the fact that he is a "poor game manager" and then also criticising "Useless bombs to the winger".

This IS game management, that all the good teams do. The game is all about field position and for years we have needed the team to improve the management of field position. Our results have not been stellar this year but I AM seeing a vast improvement in this part of our game and it is resulting in better sets and completions.

You are correct in saying 10/10 times the winger is there but what you are missing is that 10/10 times our chase is also there because they are set up for it. Its a bomb so it gives our chase (which has also been improved this year) time to get there and try to force the opposition to start their set in the corner. Against Knights and Souffs we did this really well.

Like.. do something different for once, even send a bomb into no mans land or possibly a chip and kick for yourself for once..

Bomb into no mans land and the fullback gets the ball, possibly at speed, central in the field against a staggered or broken defence. We have seen this many times in the past and it often ends poorly.

When Brooks does something different and when he chips for himself...the criticism is the tea doesnt know what he is doing.

Sorry but when you're in your own half and doing a long kick the idea is to either put it right in the corner or find the grass, he does neither normally just dropping the ball about 30 out to the winger on the full. His long kicking game is abysmal - never kicks a 40/20, never kicks early to try find the corner, never rolls long kicks into the in goal, rarely drops kicks near the try line unless we are in the opposition 20.

Watch his long kicking compared to DCE, Reynolds or Cleary and there's a big difference, long kicking is his worst attribute and it always has been, never kicks a ball that's difficult for the opposition to catch like Doueihi can. Often times this year when he has kicked he hasn't put them high enough so chasers can't compete for the ball and opposition wingers can get a wind up and that's been pointed out by commentators and forum members alike

His short kicking has been getting a lot better particularly last week. He's dropping attacking kicks on the tryline which has resulted in errors repeat sets or tries which is excellent. He even brought his grubber back last game after his poor start to the year with it which is probably a confidence thing.


You just listed 3 of the best halfbacks in the game who are also in better sides. I agree they kick better, but who’s got the better tackle
Percentage who also leads them in try assists ?

It sounds like you expect brooks to be the best halfback in the comp in a team that’s coming 13th?

He’s the best we have and he’s not doing anything that warrants the amount of hate he cops!

Yes he’s played 150 odd games, but like we already said before, the amount of times it has been stifled due to club issues. He’s in a new team where the spine is 4 games old. Most of the team have played less than 20 games. We aren’t in sync yet, it takes a spine 30-40 games to play as a unit. He’s doing the best he can in the team we have. The more games we play the better the spine will play. All this talk about chip and chase blah blah, it’s such a risky play that if it fails, guess what you lot will spend the next week bitching and moaning about it. As if every chip and chase is 100% successful. Also to take a risk like that you want to be ahead of the game, not one game this year have we been in front on the scoreboard/momentum for a lengthy period. Why take the risk? 2 teams I see chip and chase a bit are eels and panthers maybe even the storm towards addo car... I wonder what they are sitting on the table...

It’s easy to go back and watch a game and say why didn’t he do that or this, but the fact is he’s one of our best players. The only one with any impressive stats that are leading the comp.

He warrants all the criticism he gets. He has been poor for a fair while now. He stifles the attack in the red zone. The dummy and run straight into the opposition doesn’t fool anyone. Brooks has had more than enough opportunity to turn things around. Yes he did a couple of great kicks but the rest were very ordinary.

I’d say he has until the end of 2021 to perform better otherwise he’ll be gone. Unless there is some significant improvement parting ways would be the best outcome for both Brooks and the Wests Tigers. At the moment Brooks is not the halfback Wests Tigers need.

Maybe with Doueihi taking the reigns will allow more freedom for Brooks. We’ll have to wait and see if that works. It will be Brooks’s last chance.

 

[twentyforty]

I'm a person that has often noted the poor performance culture at the club as justification for Luke's poor development. While I haven't specifically blamed Benji or Robbie as the main cause for disruption, I do however believe that the club's previous organisational incompetence, quality of the team and frequent instability are major factors.
I can recognise that he's got some deficiencies  and poor leadership qualities including a lack of valour. Yet I believe he can turn things around given he can work on the mental, physical, tactical and technical elements of his game.

We all obviously don't see eye to eye on that and it's understandable but no offence my(or anyone else) applying this reasoning isn't to make excuses. In fact, they both mean completely different things.
When the Brooks supporters on here, myself included, stand by these reasons to why he's unable to produce certain traits/plays (being vocal, his kicks and try assists the most common) it isn't to be combative at all but we're simply applying some logic to why he's undeveloped in these areas.
In all team sports, an individual's growth is dependent on the coaching and team around him too. So at present not only would he be working on building on his own skills and other new ones, but he'd also be learning how to modify his game to serve or suit the needs of another newly formed team.

I'd say the only concern is his confidence and if he can take accountability of it he'd be in more control of everything.

Seriously Luke Brookes has played over 150 NRL games and you assert he "LACKS VALOUR" my understanding of word valour means courage. With respect Lauren if you believe anyone who has played 150 games of NRL lacks courage you havE no idea what it takes to play at this level.

I would never ever associate that word with the physical aspect of rugby league.
If you can understand that the outline of my post is relating the culture of the club and it's impact on Luke's development (especially the ongoing psychological challenges he's faced), and read that particular passage, you'd see this word has only been used only in regards to his leadership skills and ability.
I specifically meant, the courage to do whatever it takes to be the best and expect the same from those around him. To be relentless in pursuit of this and always strive to deliver the best results.
The only reason I even said it in the first place, is because it's obvious he has some confidence issues and his self-belief has sometimes appeared (that's obviously only my opinion though) to be shot and I'd like to see him overcome it.

I am honestly one of the last persons you'd hear say something to that degree about Luke. I actually literally tried to report a comment(just the other day) on the forum which suggested one of our other players smash or hurt him.

Yep , it’s clearly in his head . I don’t think anyone will disagree there . He runs when he should pass he passes when he should run , he thinks way too much . I don’t think it’s because he can’t control the team , or is overwhelmed by the responsibility, but that he lacks confidence in his own abilities . So he’s kind of like the coach in the water boy , who had his book stolen . He’s still a great coach , he just thinks way too much and can’t get out of his own way . The person who can get him to free his mind , will unlock the star he can be . Most have given up on the kid. I still have hope , even though I understand I’m probably on a sinking ship.

I’m not so sure this talk about sinking ship and tic tok clocks is warranted? The team needs stability, time together, games together. It’s something you can’t put a time frame on, and as we know, when it clicks into gear it’s a beautiful thing to watch. I expect Brooks’ progress to be in direct proportion to the team’s development.
And another thing, I thought Brooks was close to the best player on the park last week, but you wouldn’t think that after reading a few posts on here. ?

But that's ok...dont blame you for not reading them as one of the Admins on here told me most of my posts are boring 😢 .
I have been a Very strong supporter of Brooks in all my time on here, but just recently have started to waiver.
With Madden apparently improving and now Hastings starting here next year, Brooks is really going to have to put his best foot forward, and I really hope he does :+1:
Have a great day Mate :slightly_smiling_face:

G’day mate, you may be right about that, I’ve had a tough time lately juggling business, social and me time lately. I like to think we all should have a say when it comes to helping Madge solve his problems ?
I think the post you’re referring to , which I subsequently responded to, eludes to having some kind of time limit attached to a players form reversal? While this may be true I disagree. I stand by my opinion that we have a team capable of sneaking into the playoffs if they become a team.
I like your posts. They’re not boring at all . Keep it up!

 

[BZN]

I'm a person that has often noted the poor performance culture at the club as justification for Luke's poor development. While I haven't specifically blamed Benji or Robbie as the main cause for disruption, I do however believe that the club's previous organisational incompetence, quality of the team and frequent instability are major factors.
I can recognise that he's got some deficiencies  and poor leadership qualities including a lack of valour. Yet I believe he can turn things around given he can work on the mental, physical, tactical and technical elements of his game.

We all obviously don't see eye to eye on that and it's understandable but no offence my(or anyone else) applying this reasoning isn't to make excuses. In fact, they both mean completely different things.
When the Brooks supporters on here, myself included, stand by these reasons to why he's unable to produce certain traits/plays (being vocal, his kicks and try assists the most common) it isn't to be combative at all but we're simply applying some logic to why he's undeveloped in these areas.
In all team sports, an individual's growth is dependent on the coaching and team around him too. So at present not only would he be working on building on his own skills and other new ones, but he'd also be learning how to modify his game to serve or suit the needs of another newly formed team.

I'd say the only concern is his confidence and if he can take accountability of it he'd be in more control of everything.

Seriously Luke Brookes has played over 150 NRL games and you assert he "LACKS VALOUR" my understanding of word valour means courage. With respect Lauren if you believe anyone who has played 150 games of NRL lacks courage you havE no idea what it takes to play at this level.

I would never ever associate that word with the physical aspect of rugby league.
If you can understand that the outline of my post is relating the culture of the club and it's impact on Luke's development (especially the ongoing psychological challenges he's faced), and read that particular passage, you'd see this word has only been used only in regards to his leadership skills and ability.
I specifically meant, the courage to do whatever it takes to be the best and expect the same from those around him. To be relentless in pursuit of this and always strive to deliver the best results.
The only reason I even said it in the first place, is because it's obvious he has some confidence issues and his self-belief has sometimes appeared (that's obviously only my opinion though) to be shot and I'd like to see him overcome it.

I am honestly one of the last persons you'd hear say something to that degree about Luke. I actually literally tried to report a comment(just the other day) on the forum which suggested one of our other players smash or hurt him.

Yep , it’s clearly in his head . I don’t think anyone will disagree there . He runs when he should pass he passes when he should run , he thinks way too much . I don’t think it’s because he can’t control the team , or is overwhelmed by the responsibility, but that he lacks confidence in his own abilities . So he’s kind of like the coach in the water boy , who had his book stolen . He’s still a great coach , he just thinks way too much and can’t get out of his own way . The person who can get him to free his mind , will unlock the star he can be . Most have given up on the kid. I still have hope , even though I understand I’m probably on a sinking ship.

I’m not so sure this talk about sinking ship and tic tok clocks is warranted? The team needs stability, time together, games together. It’s something you can’t put a time frame on, and as we know, when it clicks into gear it’s a beautiful thing to watch. I expect Brooks’ progress to be in direct proportion to the team’s development.
And another thing, I thought Brooks was close to the best player on the park last week, but you wouldn’t think that after reading a few posts on here. ?

But that's ok...dont blame you for not reading them as one of the Admins on here told me most of my posts are boring 😢 .
I have been a Very strong supporter of Brooks in all my time on here, but just recently have started to waiver.
With Madden apparently improving and now Hastings starting here next year, Brooks is really going to have to put his best foot forward, and I really hope he does :+1:
Have a great day Mate :slightly_smiling_face:

G’day mate, you may be right about that, I’ve had a tough time lately juggling business, social and me time lately. I like to think we all should have a say when it comes to helping Madge solve his problems ?
I think the post you’re referring to , which I subsequently responded to, eludes to having some kind of time limit attached to a players form reversal? While this may be true I disagree. I stand by my opinion that we have a team capable of sneaking into the playoffs if they become a team.
I like your posts. They’re not boring at all . Keep it up!

Thanks for your encouragement @twentyforty .
Sorry to hear you have been having a rough time lately :hugging_face: .
Hopefully you get a big lift after a Wests Tigers WIN tomorrow :ghost: :smiley:

 

[Lauren]

I'm a person that has often noted the poor performance culture at the club as justification for Luke's poor development. While I haven't specifically blamed Benji or Robbie as the main cause for disruption, I do however believe that the club's previous organisational incompetence, quality of the team and frequent instability are major factors.
I can recognise that he's got some deficiencies  and poor leadership qualities including a lack of valour. Yet I believe he can turn things around given he can work on the mental, physical, tactical and technical elements of his game.

We all obviously don't see eye to eye on that and it's understandable but no offence my(or anyone else) applying this reasoning isn't to make excuses. In fact, they both mean completely different things.
When the Brooks supporters on here, myself included, stand by these reasons to why he's unable to produce certain traits/plays (being vocal, his kicks and try assists the most common) it isn't to be combative at all but we're simply applying some logic to why he's undeveloped in these areas.
In all team sports, an individual's growth is dependent on the coaching and team around him too. So at present not only would he be working on building on his own skills and other new ones, but he'd also be learning how to modify his game to serve or suit the needs of another newly formed team.

I'd say the only concern is his confidence and if he can take accountability of it he'd be in more control of everything.

Seriously Luke Brookes has played over 150 NRL games and you assert he "LACKS VALOUR" my understanding of word valour means courage. With respect Lauren if you believe anyone who has played 150 games of NRL lacks courage you havE no idea what it takes to play at this level.

I would never ever associate that word with the physical aspect of rugby league.
If you can understand that the outline of my post is relating the culture of the club and it's impact on Luke's development (especially the ongoing psychological challenges he's faced), and read that particular passage, you'd see this word has only been used only in regards to his leadership skills and ability.
I specifically meant, the courage to do whatever it takes to be the best and expect the same from those around him. To be relentless in pursuit of this and always strive to deliver the best results.
The only reason I even said it in the first place, is because it's obvious he has some confidence issues and his self-belief has sometimes appeared (that's obviously only my opinion though) to be shot and I'd like to see him overcome it.

I am honestly one of the last persons you'd hear say something to that degree about Luke. I actually literally tried to report a comment(just the other day) on the forum which suggested one of our other players smash or hurt him.

Yep , it’s clearly in his head . I don’t think anyone will disagree there . He runs when he should pass he passes when he should run , he thinks way too much . I don’t think it’s because he can’t control the team , or is overwhelmed by the responsibility, but that he lacks confidence in his own abilities . So he’s kind of like the coach in the water boy , who had his book stolen . He’s still a great coach , he just thinks way too much and can’t get out of his own way . The person who can get him to free his mind , will unlock the star he can be . Most have given up on the kid. I still have hope , even though I understand I’m probably on a sinking ship.

Sorry only noticed your reply so never had a chance to respond until now.
I feel there's a reason why it seems he's at a standstill, regressed or in career high form and that's because his form has always closely resembled that of the team's.
I believe once we're playing with more team harmony and he's continued working on the technical elements of his game, he'll get back to his confident best.

He's always done this throughout his whole career, given dedication to something and applied it where needed. He was once a great creative spark, despite inexperience, when we'd had players such as Teddy, Simona and Nofo working with him. His defence was always problematic until it was a requirement for the team. We saw his short kicking game become a major focus of his - and close to the best in the NRL, at that time - when we severely lacked strike players. Even last year he managed to overturn his whole attitude and effort, in what was his worst year yet.
Therefore I share your hope, as like I said before, his whole personal growth has pretty much been in alignment with the team's and despite the results we're already showing some improvement. He's always recovered from turbulent and disruptive times and has overcome every challenge thrown at him.
So IMO history shows that he'll push though it when he can do the work and own his newly evolved role in the team.