It's pretty clear that the biggest rumours are that Brooks has 2 more years behind the "new and improved" Wests Tigers pack. Then he comes off contract the same time as the coaches son.
I don't believe that's a coincidence, and if I were Penrith, I'd be hoping Brooks comes good because otherwise we're thanking them for giving them TMM by taking Cleary Junior.
I honestly can't wait another 2 seasons for Brooks to get his act together! He has to be the most frustrating halfback we've ever had at this club - the talent is there for all to see when he has the rare 'on' day and just when you think he is on the improve and going to step up, he goes back to square one, playing like a damn schoolboy again! He's had enough time to prove himself as a first grade halfback, imo.
If Cleary is coming in 2019 (and this is purely speculation) I would rather we go out and get an old hand like Jeff Robson to fill in for 2 seasons. He ain't no Thurston or Cronk, but he is an experienced half with a cool head and a good kicking game, who knows how to control a game. I reckon he is exactly what is needed beside an off the cuff player like Reynolds and they would make a good combination, much like when Reynolds played with Hodkinson.
I hope I'm wrong, but I really don't think the Brooks/Reynolds combo is gonna work too well for us, unless Brooks magically somehow becomes a top notch halfback during the off season. Honestly, how many more seasons are we prepared to squander waiting for him to reach his potential?
I feel exactly the same, we wasted so many years waiting for Benji to become the "potential" player he could have been now we're doing it with Brooks. I'm hearing the same lame excuses rolled out again too "he'll be better with another Pre season under his belt" "he'll be better when he has a better halves partner/forward pack/coach/shoelaces/haircut/.."
It's amusing to me how its always something or someone else who are going to somehow magically make them better.