Luke Brooks will finally get the chance for a fresh start in 2024, with the maligned playmaker joining the Sea Eagles on a long-term deal.
The 28-year-old has been a one-club player for his entire NRL career, plying his trade in over 200 appearances for the Wests Tigers, but failing to find any level of consistency or play a single finals match.
However, after putting pen to paper with Manly, the former Dally M Halfback of the Year will now get the opportunity to take a back-seat to Daly Cherry-Evans and allow his natural running game to shine in the No.6 jumper.
Brooks will also benefit from the influence of Tom Trbojevic, who will be back on deck with a point to prove after a horror injury run, while the likes of young speedsters Jason Saab and Tolu Koula out wide could make a difference.
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Anthony Seibold explains Luke Brooks role at Sea Eagles
In an interview with SEN Radio, head coach Anthony Seibold explained the influence that the club are hopeful of having on Brooks - not just on the field, but off it as well.
“The first thing that we’ve tried to do is welcome Brooksy with open arms and show him a little bit of love,” he said.
“He’s a super talented player... he’s been heavily critiqued over his career and in some ways the forefront of a lot of criticism of the Wests Tigers not making the finals.
“We know he’s a hell of a player... we want him to feel like he’s a Manly player, he just needs to come to our club, work hard, have a smile on his face and enjoy his footy again.
“I think Tom and Chez will help take his game to the next level. We’ve got a great coaching staff as well, particularly Michael Ennis who he is working with. We feel as though we can get the best out of him.
“We just want him to come and enjoy his footy again, it’s been a tough slog for Brooksy for a little period of time, but he's a hell of a player - you saw some of his performances this year before he hurt his hamstring.
“The two that stood out for me was the Tigers' wins against the Panthers and the Cowboys, he’s a talented player, we’re just hoping that he enjoys his footy and not put too much pressure on him.”
Brooks had a mixed 2023 campaign at Concord, struggling with injury and form as the side finished with a second-straight wooden spoon and managing just 16 games in the top grade.
But a change of scenery could be the perfect move for all parties - especially his new club, who have been unable to find a consistent halves partner for Cherry-Evans and now have an established star in that role.
Luke Brooks 2023 NRL stats
| Games | 16 |
| Tries | 3 |
| Try Assists | 7 |
| Linebreak Assists | 1 |
| Linebreaks | 7 |
| Avg. Run Metres | 121m |
| Avg. Kick Metres | 259m |
| Forced Dropouts | 10 |
