Wests Tigers head coach Michael Maguire says Luke Brooks is ready to take his game up to the next level.
The new club mentor was speaking after the 2018 Dally M halfback of the year signed a new four year deal that will keep him at Wests Tigers until the end of 2023.
“Luke is a well experienced half now and at the prime of being able to take all of the learnings to this point to a whole new level,” Maguire said.
“Sitting down and talking to him about his game he’s hungry to learn and hungry to improve on where he’s at.
“He prides himself on his defence and obviously he’s very keen to learn the different styles of play that I’ve had experience with working with a number of halfbacks over a number of years.
“Luke’s a player who’s really willing and open to learning his style, as well as understanding what others see when they’re playing and that’s something that can help him further develop his game,’’ Maguire said.
A Wests Tigers junior, Brooks said he was thrilled to be extending his time with the club.
“I’m pretty excited to be here for the next five years,’’ he said.
“I’ve been here my whole career and I’m happy to stay,” said Brooks.
“We’re building something nice here.
“With Madge coming in, he’s a successful coach, and I think he’s going to be good for our team.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“This club means a lot to me and I really love this club, I love playing here, I love playing with all of the boys, it’s what I’ve known for pretty much all of my life and I’m happy to be here,” he said.[/social_quote]
“This will allow me to just focus on footy and now I’ve just got to play consistent footy and do my job for the team.
“I just want to build on what we did last year as a team and for myself I want to keep playing consistent footy,” said Brooks.
“I want to do my bit for the team and grow as a player and a person and work on my leadership as well.
“I’ve been in first grade for five years now and that’s a side of my game that I want to work on, the leadership around training and on the field as well.”
Brooks, 23, has played 107 NRL games for Wests Tigers since making his debut in 2013 and recently won the club’s Kelly Barnes Award for his achievements in 2018.
“He loves the club, he’s a passionate Wests Tigers kid and I’m enjoying working with him,” Maguire said.
“To see one of our local juniors coming through and doing the things that he’s doing is great for this club and for its future and what we want to achieve.”
