Despite the links between Luke Brooks and the Knights growing stronger and stronger, the star halfback has reportedly reaffirmed his commitment to the Wests Tigers.
By all reports over the last couple of weeks, Luke Brooks was very close to signing with the Knights. However, according to The Sydney Morning Herald, the star halfback has given his club zero indication that he wants out.
Brooks has been heavily linked to a move to the Hunter as a replacement for veteran No.7, Mitchell Pearce, who has requested a release from the final year of his contract to take up a Super League offer.
There’s a lot of dominoes to fall in this situation and over the weekend the first one did with the Tigers’ director of football, Tim Sheens finally touching down in Australia.
The first task on Sheens’ agenda will be to sort the Brooks situation — and there’s a player that’s anxiously awaiting the outcome.
Newcastle won’t grant Pearce his release until they can find a suitable replacement. Brooks is that replacement and going off the rumours that emerged at the end of the season suggesting the 26-year-old isn’t enjoying his time with coach Michael Maguire, his move seemed like a sure thing.
However, the Herald is reporting Brooks met with Tigers powerbrokers late last week and reiterated his desire to remain at Concord.
And the feeling is mutual.
With Adam Doueihi expected to miss the first half of next season recovering from an ACL injury, the Tigers need Brooks to partner new recruit Jackson Hastings in the halves.
Brooks’ wish to stay put comes despite Andrew Johns’ urge to sign with the Knights.
The Tigers’ reigning player of the year is contracted until the end of 2023 and the club will reportedly fight hard to keep him.
