Wests Tigers’ picture of Luke Brooks an ‘up yours’ to NSWRL and, worse, the game

SEE the infuriating picture released by the Tigers that is effectively an “up yours” to the NSWRL and, worse, the game.

CAN anybody see what’s wrong with this picture?

Only three days after Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks was prevented from representing NSW Under 20s by his club, the joint-venture has posted Instagram images of him “muscling up” in a physical training drill with 100kg prop Sauaso Sue.

News_Image_File: Luke Brooks trains with the Tigers after being withdrawn from the Under 20s Origin clash. Picture: Instagram

And fans have every right to be filthy.

Understanding that while NRL clubs pay the freight for these gifted athletes, the bigger picture otherwise known as “the game” desperately needs them turning out for international friendlies, City-Country, even junior representative matches.

On Monday, Brooks and young Rabbitoh Alex Johnston were both shaping as star attractions for Saturday night’s clash against the Queensland Under 20s — who will feature Canberra star Anthony Milford — at Sportingbet Stadium.

Although neither is injured, they were withdrawn by their clubs shortly after selection.

News_Image_File: A close up crop of Luke Brooks laying on hits at Tigers training after being withdrawn from the Under 20s Origin clash. Picture: Instagram

Talk among players involved in the City-Country match in Dubbo this week has also surrounded the omission of at least two players from the clash through “injury” - the suggestion being that while the players wanted in, club medicos ruled them out.

Earlier this week, NSWRL boss David Trodden said of the Brooks withdrawal: “It is disappointing for the player to miss out on representing his state, which most people would consider to be a significant honour”.

News_Rich_Media: Fox Sports reporter Lara Pitt’s 2013 exclusive with Simon Dwyer, the Wests Tigers giant whose career was sadly halted by injury.

He also suggested the decision hampered the NSW Origin “culture” being created Blues coach Laurie Daley.

So while their was never any suggestion Brooks was injured, the Instagram pictures are effectively an “up yours” to the NSWRL and, worse, the game.