NRL 2020: Luke Brooks says Michael Maguire wants him at Wests Tigers
Luke Brooks is said to be one of four players on the outer at the Tigers and the halfback has received news from coach Michael Maguire about his immediate future at the club.
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Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks has revealed he is part of coach Michael Maguire’s plans despite constant speculation about his future at the Concord club.
Brooks is contracted until the end of season 2023 but there is talk the club would be open to moving him and at least three other players on - including Josh Reynolds, Russell Packer and Moses Mbye - to free up much needed salary cap space.
The 25-year old said he has spoken to Maguire about the rumours and his immediate playing future at the club.
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“I have [spoken to Maguire], obviously when there is stuff that comes out, it’s got to come from somewhere so yeah I guess you have to have that chat and get some clarity,” Brooks said.
When pushed about whether or not Maguire provided clarity and if he would see out his deal at the Tigers, Brooks responded: “Yep [I got clarity from Maguire], I think so, as of now [i’ll see out my contract].”
Last month, The Daily Telegraph revealed the Tigers quartet are set to earn just over $3 million combined in season 2021, creating an appetite at the club to offload at least one of the highly paid stars.
Brooks, who was the Dally M Halfback of the Year in 2018, has struggled to find form earlier in the season and was dropped for the first time in his career in round 10, where he played from the bench for three weeks.
Maguire has also had honest conversations with Brooks about his form and what parts of his game the halfback needs to work on to secure his spot in the starting outfit.
“Nowadays you do that much video that teams know what's coming, so it‘s about coming up with ways to trick the defence and have that ability to beat the defence, and having stuff up your sleeve they won’t know is coming,” Brooks said.
While Brooks’ future might be safe, veteran forward Elijah Taylor is resigned to leaving the Tigers at the end of season 2020 after admitting he has not had any discussions with the club.
Maguire’s relationship with players at the Tigers has come under heavy scrutiny in recent weeks and once again dominated the headlines, for the wrong reasons, after a brilliant come from behind 34-32 win against Manly on Saturday night.
Reynolds and Packer left the match during halftime further raising questions about their commitment to the club and relationship with Maguire.
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But Brooks doesn’t believe the actions of Reynolds and Packer reflect poorly on the club’s culture nor should the pair apologise to the team.
“Outside looking in it might look that way, but for us we know what kind of guys they are and what kind of players they are,” Brooks said.
“They’re team players and I love playing with both of them. They didn’t mean it that way.
“It‘s not an issue for us. They weren’t required to be there. It doesn’t affect us. We didn’t even notice they had left. Personally I don’t care and it’s fine by me.
“It‘s a story that has been blown out of proportion.
“Because of where we are on the ladder, these little stories become bigger stories. It‘s frustrating.”
Originally published as NRL 2020: Luke Brooks says Michael Maguire wants him at Wests Tigers