Wests Tigers coach Jason Taylor admits halfback Luke Brooks could be distracted by constant speculation over his future following criticism from league Immortal Andrew Johns.
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As he watched a rudderless Tigers slump to a 36-4 defeat to Canterbury on Sunday, Johns said of Brooks: "He has to give his team more.
“He has got a lot of raps (and) there is talk he isn't behind forwards going forward but he has to get his hands on the ball more ... I don't get it."
Peter Sterling, another gifted ex-No.7, added: "If you wait in this game for structured play to work for you, you will never create it. I want him pushing up on the shoulder of his forwards."
Taylor was asked after the game whether the constant talk over where Brooks and halves partner Mitchel Moses will play next year is having a negative impact on their form.
He said: “I don’t think this forum right now is the time to be discussing that one too much.
“I don’t know…I don’t know.
“It certainly didn’t last game. Mitch didn’t play but Brooksy played really well.”
