Tigers right to withdraw Brooks

[Tigersman]

Much has been made of a plethora of withdrawals for this weekend's round of representative matches, and whilst at the top of the tree only injuries have prevented the odd player from representing his country of choice, it seems further down the representative tree things are all together a lot more relaxed.

Multiple players have withdrawn from Sunday afternoon's City v Country clash in Dubbo due to "injury". Trouble is that some of these players appear to be using the term "injury" to simply rest up a little for their clubs as we head in to the all important middle third of the season. The situation has gotten so bad now that even players from the Under 20's Origin clash on Saturday night are using the same excuses…..or their clubs are at least.

In the case of Luke Brooks and the Wests Tigers, i think we need to look at this one just a little differently. In my mind what the Tigers have done with Brooks is fair enough given the circumstances. Eight players are currently listed on the WESTS TIGERS INJURY REPORT. A further 3 players, David Nofoaluma, Keith Galloway and Blake Austin, are also injury concerns ahead of Friday week's showdown with the Sydney Roosters. Add to that Tim Simona will serve the second and final game of his suspension.

That means the Wests Tigers will have a minimum 9 of their top 25 players unavailable next Friday night. That figure could rise as Galloway and Nofoaluma are no certainties at this point to play either. Now withdrawing Luke Brooks from the Under 20's Origin game isn't necessarily a vote of no confidence in the kid's ability to get through the game unscathed, rather it's about the club protecting its own interests when in a vulnerable position.

I guess we could also argue the fact that Brooks hasn't even played a Holden Cup game this season, so what's the point?? Surely there's no harm in giving his spot to a kid looking for an opportunity Brooks has already had (last season) and no offence meant, could get more valuable experience from an NRL game anyways.

The point though is that Wests Tigers should be allowed to make the call on Brooks and not be slated for doing so due to the high amount of players currently injured from the top squad. I don't think it's an unreasonable request at all. In this instance surely the club who pays the wages of Brooks has the right to look after itself first and foremost.

Fans would be mightily peeved if Brooks or even any other our rep players this weekend were to get injured. You may ask why then do we not withdraw Aaron Woods from the City side?? In truth i believe there's merit in this also but as the City-County clash acts as a Origin trial, it certainly won't hurt Aaron to play here.
http://tigernationnrl.blogspot.com.au/

 

[Juro]

City Country > NRL > U20 State of Origin > NYC

 

[Tiger_Watto]

Its really a nothing issue, but I hope the Club took Luke's development and feelings into account before making this decision…

Personally, I think unless the Club is sending Luke on a 4-5 day holiday to Hamilton Island to clear his head, allowing him to have a run against his peers might of been refreshing for the kid.

 

[Goose]

I disagree with the stance completely.

I think the tigers and souths withdrawing players from the game doesnt treat the game with any respect.

Firstly players should at an early age have the desire to represent the state as a high priority, clubs should foster this also.

The clubs lobbied hard to have a stand alone representative weekend, weekend, and when they do so, they treat it with contempt. Broadcasters paid for the rights to televise this game and seats in stadiums are there to be sold, the revenue raised funds the game, and if this rep round is not successful they will be back to no more stand alone weekends.

This whole players may get hurt is bollocks, under normal circumstances they would be playing this weekend, and Brooks could get hurt at training or screwing in a light bulb, playing an extra game has a level of risk, but it is impossible to rule out risk in life.

 

[PJ_]

We have Anasta, Austen, Moltzen, Sironen, Farah injured, who can all play in the halves if needed. Good call from coaching staff. We need Brooks fit and playing for the Tigers not getting hurt in a game that means nothing.

 

[Defiant]

I and most I know have little interest in this weekends rl. Might take the 20.5 start on the kiwi's though :slight_smile:

We just want the NRL season to continue. We have Woods,Tapau and Blair all at risk this weekend.

Given the injury crisis we have already I fully support the club and Brookes for standing down.

 

[Guest]

Thursday, May 01, 2014 - 2:27 PM
Source: SportsFan
Author: Glenn Valencich

Wests Tigers rookie Luke Brooks is no ordinary 19-year-old, his teammate Braith Anasta says, who believes it's just a matter of time before the halfback wears a representative jumper.

Brooks debuted with an impressive performance against the Dragons late last season and has since played all eight games of the 2014 season.

While he showed much promise, Brooks had a slow start to the season as he played himself into the starting role.

"He's getting more confident as every game comes and that's the difference," Anasta told SportsFan's Will McCloy.

"His defence has improved since the start of the year and he's becoming a better player every time he takes the field."

Brooks is the second young halfback learning his trade alongside Anasta, who played next to a young Mitchell Pearce at the Roosters.

With Pearce now a State of Origin player and a premiership winner, Anasta says Brooks' career is on the same trajectory – but it could all come much faster.

"They're the type of player you play alongside and you know they've got it from the beginning," Anasta said.

"Very talented, they're both quite structured players too, which goes a long way in the modern game. Confident kids.

"I think Brooks is probably not too far away from Pearce already, he's a quality player."

While Pearce made his City and New South Wales debut as a 19-year-old in his first year, Anasta says Brooks will get there one day with only the Blues' stacked halves stocks holding him back.

"He'd probably be pushing for City v Country next year, I believe," Anasta said.

"He's got a great kicking game, he's quick, great passing game, reads the game really well.

"I just think that it's only a matter of time before he puts on a rep jersey and whatever that jersey may be, I don't think it'll be too far away."

 

[happy_tiger]

Oh no ,they've compared Brooks to Pierce

That's a career killer

 

[Tbone]

"While Pearce made his City and New South Wales debut as a 19-year-old in his first year, Anasta says Brooks will get there one day with only the Blues' stacked halves stocks holding him back."

Surely taking the micky with that one. QLD have Thurston, Cronk and DCE. We're thinking of putting Sutton in again this year.

 

[pHyR3]

Well Carney, Reynolds, Reynolds and Pierce aren't BAD halves, but they're better than where brooks is right now. They're not amazing rep players like QLD have though which is the problem, too many above average halves not enough amazing ones.