Luke Brooks controls the games as Wests Tigers beat Titans 30-14

Luke Brooks produced arguably the best defensive performance of his career to drive a resurgent Wests Tigers to a 30-14 win over the Gold Coast in front of 9799 people at Tamworth.

Brooks brought some steel back to the Tigers’ defence. Image: AAP Image/Darren Pateman

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Luke Brooks gets many plaudits for his attacking brilliance. But the Wests Tigers halfback produced arguably the best defensive performance of his career in the Wests Tigers 30-14 win in front of 9799 people at Tamworth.

The Titans rushed to a 14-0 lead after just 20 minutes with tries to Anthony Don and Tyrone Peachey but the Tigers went on to score 30 unanswered points.

Brooks lined up defensively against Titans back-rower Kevin Proctor and handled him. Coach Michael Maguire praised Brooks’ defensive efforts.

“Brooksy is really working on both sides of his game and consistency,” Maguire said. “Defensively he was really strong. He grabbed the game. He took control and built a game.

“We did a fair bit of work on that in the Christmas time. Starting to get the dividends. That’s the standard he needs to bring to the game.”

Brooks was still a standout in attack laying on two tries to help set up the victory.

Brooks brought some steel back to the Tigers’ defence. Image: AAP Image/Darren Pateman

FINDING CONSISTENCY

Maguire stressed his team needs to find consistency to match it with the best teams. Having won four of their opening seven matches they face a tough test against the Roosters on Saturday night. They were thumped 51-6 against Parramatta last Monday.

“One thing I do have about this group is a lot of belief,” Maguire said. “Our big one is building consistency around that performance.”

FLYING FONUA

Mahe Fonua scored his first NRL treble since August 4, 2013 when he was playing for the Storm. The hulking winger scored the Tigers opening try in the 24th minute before scoring twice in the second half including the final try of the game.

HORROR NIGHT FOR REYNOLDS

Five-eighth Josh Reynolds dropped the ball from the kick-off. And that proved to be the highlight for Reynolds who lasted just seven minutes before limping from the field. Reynolds tried to get back on the field after halftime but was unable to. Maguire said it was a medial injury. It was a cruel blow for Reynolds who has been hampered by injury in recent years.

Veteran Benji Marshall is expected to return against the Roosters on Saturday.

The Titans had an injury concern of their own losing Dale Copley (thigh) after nine minutes.

Farah was much more satisfied with this weekend’s showing. Image: AAP Image/Darren Pateman

BETTER DEFENCE

After leaking 51 point against the Eels, the Tigers defence showed some steel against the Titans. Gold Coast dominated field possession and territory in the second half but the Tigers kept turning them away. Veteran Robbie Farah said the side had built their season on defence.

“That’s the Tigers we’ve come to expect within the group,” Farah said. “That’s what we showed in the first five rounds of the year. Unfortunately we didn’t show it last week. We were back to our best defensively.”

ASH WOES

Gold Coast halfback Ash Taylor is no doubt struggling this season. He has battled injuries and failed to capitalise on the Titans opportunities. Coach Garth Brennan described Taylor’s performance as “mixed”.

“Probably, yeah, I do,” Brennan said when asked if he expected more of Taylor. “He has had a few injuries this year. He is not quite there. He hasn’t had the confidence at the moment to come up with the plays he would like to. I’m not to concerned at this point. We will keep working with Ash.”

Brennan said his side failed to handle a first half momentum swing.

“We tend to panic. We gave away too many penalties trying to force our way back into the game.”

Gold Coast’s woes are far from fixed. Image: AAP Image/Darren Pateman

RUTHLESS MADGE

Maguire shook up his side following their last-start thumping. He axed veteran Russell Packer, recalled Elijah Taylor and handed Chris McQueen his first appearance of the season.

“We look at our standards,” Maguire said. “I pick teams around that. They are honest with each other.”

Originally published as Luke Brooks controls the games as Wests Tigers beat Titans 30-14