Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[TillLindemann]

I shudder to think of Luke's decision making after he has had a child screaming all night

This is actually a serious point - IMO Benji looked noticeably worse in the period when he had a young baby for the first time. I struggle to scratch my own arse when I've been sleep deprived from babies, I'd hate to try and play serious footy.

 

[gregjm87]

Has there been any credible links with Bateman possibly coming over, or is it coming from Kent saying were looking at a couple of pom's?

Can't remember where I heard it (may have been Kent). The convo was were looking at Poms. Then someone saying Tigers keep saying they are deep in negotiations with Bateman. The response was we've approached Bateman a few times and been flatly knocked back each time, it's not happening.

 

[Tim Sheens]

Goodness me, I expected an avalanche of posts after you put this up Demps.
Are we Brooksed out 🤔

More like a hell of a lot of those long death riding him have finally come around to the realisation that Luke remains the club's best signed option in the halves.

Considered Hastings as a challenger for being WT best there for a couple of weeks or so, at least until opposition coaches learnt to neutralise him as well.

If rumours my long held huge concerns of Doueihi's defensive liabilities are being shared at coaching level are true, then it would seem that the club is on the lookout for a replacement, so has anyone heard any whispers other than unrealistic Munster?

 

[Aceshigh]

We purchase, brown paper bags from the rooooters , then all is sweet 🥴

Too late the Dogs have already purchased those brown bags

 

[Dennisspicer1]

That Morgan Knowles definitely looks the goods.

Very similar to Martin from Penrith but would be far cheaper.
I think he is only 22.

 

[Needaname]

T

Reading the article I think Munster to Dolphins.
From that point Douhie to storm as a 6
That leaves wests tigers with Brooks at 7 and all in on Dylan brown or Moses at 7 and Brooks at 6 or they go with 7 Brooks 6 Laurie and 1. Staines

The key to that would be Hastings signed long term at lock.
That spine is very Sheens like.

 

[Needaname]

It is interesting the players value Laurie's contribution more highly. I rate Laurie very highly but he is subject to so many negative comments on this forum.

I really do wonder how he’d go at 6. He has toughness in spades.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

I really do wonder how he’d go at 6. He has toughness in spades.

He certainly has the speed, passing and toughness for the position. If Staines comes, it provides more options.

 

[bathursttiger1]

I shudder to think of Luke's decision making after he has had a child screaming all night

I'd like to know how it didn't end up out on the full.

 

[tony soprano]

I really do wonder how he’d go at 6. He has toughness in spades.

Better than Douhie

 

[Needaname]

We're about to see the birth of Dad Mode Brooks.

About to join the historical greats such as Beau Ryan (Headgear version) & Busty Tuki.

We're about to see some improvement, only took 10 years & fatherhood.

Congrats, you're the man now.

Today?

 

[batboy]

I'd like to know how it didn't end up out on the full.

Ask Doueihi - He's the king of those these days....

 

[Lukic]

Deadset move the club to Perth if we re-sign Brooks.

 

[Buttface]

Deadset move the club to Perth if we re-sign Brooks.

Will Luke play better in Perth?

 

[gallagher]

You are entitled to your opinion.
Just can’t figure out why people like you need to continually push it on this forum.
We heard you the first time mate.

And we've heard yours. Your just as boring

 

[Demps]

Goodness me, I expected an avalanche of posts after you put this up Demps.
Are we Brooksed out 🤔

Haha, probably.

Through sickness and through health.

 

[WT2K]

View attachment 2574

Wests Tigers have started preliminary discussions to extend the contract of Luke Brooks - a move which could keep the halfback at Concord for the rest of his playing career.

The Daily Telegraph was told Newcastle was zeroing in on Brooks again but the speculation was quickly denied by Wests Tigers management.

One source close to Newcastle felt Brooks was a “99 per cent” chance of being at the Knights next season.

Wests Tigers officials scuppered the speculation before claiming the club had spoken to Brooks’ manager, Isaac Moses, about a new deal.

Club recruitment manager Warren McDonnell met with Moses on Monday.

“We are looking at the future and are talking about numerous options and we broached the subject with his management,” McDonnell said.

“But that’s all – broached the subject. He’s not off contract until the end of next year. We are in discussions with numerous players coming off contract after next year and we are only in the early stages of discussions (with Brooks).

“Luke is one of the players whose manager we have spoken to but we haven’t put an offer to him and we won’t in the short-term.”

Brooks has told friends he is keen to work under the club’s newest coaching staff of Tim Sheens, Benji Marshall, Robbie Farah and David Furner.

Contract extension discussions were brief and no money was lodged.

Brooks was at the club’s Centre of Excellence on Wednesday and has already held meetings about next season with club director of football, Tim Sheens.

Even after being told Wests Tigers wanted to retain Brooks, sources close to Newcastle believed the halfback would be at McDonald Jones Stadium next season.

Player managers claimed Knights officials were holding meetings this week about recruitment for next season.

It seems the Knights will continue to quietly pursue Brooks.

Loading embed...
Sheens is a known fan of Brooks, the often-maligned halfback who comes off contract after next season.

It is understood Sheens, the new head coach from 2023, and Benji Marshall, the coach from 2025, will further talks with Brooks early next season.

Brooks’ possible exit to Newcastle has created headlines for two years although the player has never sought a release, despite reports suggesting he had last off-season.

He will be 28 years old when his deal expires at Wests Tigers after next season.

While no contract extension details have been finalised, a new deal could ensure Brooks plays out his career at Concord.

One well-placed source close to Wests Tigers, when asked about Brooks joining Newcastle, said: “In all honesty, not a hope in hell. Sheens is keen on him and wants to keep him. Absolutely not.”

In April, Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis angrily hit out at the on-going criticism of Brooks.

“If it was in an employment environment, it would be tantamount to bullying,” said Hagipantelis, the Principal of Brydens Lawyers.

“The level of focus and attention on Luke I think is unwarranted and unhealthy. We often speak about welfare issues in the game. The level of scrutiny and criticism, I think, has been excessive.”

Meanwhile Wests Tigers forward Joe Ofahengaue has claimed the Kelly-Barnes Medal after being voted the club’s 2022 NRL player of the year.

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

T

The key to that would be Hastings signed long term at lock.
That spine is very Sheens like.

absolutely if we dont sign Hastings at 13 we are stuffed.
think if we lose douhie and can't sign a Dylan brown or Moses etc maybe they may have to put Hastings at 7 Brooks at 6

 

[full80]

This is actually a serious point - IMO Benji looked noticeably worse in the period when he had a young baby for the first time. I struggle to scratch my own arse when I've been sleep deprived from babies, I'd hate to try and play serious footy.

My job wasn't one that required physical stamina but I remember when I had my first kid something really changed in me, and it really was the making of me, maturity wise. I suddenly felt truy responsible for others, in a way I hadn't fully before. I'm serious. It could be the making of him.

 

[batboy]

This is actually a serious point - IMO Benji looked noticeably worse in the period when he had a young baby for the first time. I struggle to scratch my own arse when I've been sleep deprived from babies, I'd hate to try and play serious footy.

Doesn't seem to be affecting Munster - He's playing the best Footy he has in a long while as a new dad....
Plenty of other blokes have kids and it has a positive affect on them.