NRL 2024: Wests Tigers issue bizarre congratulations to Luke Brooks after breaking finals drought with Manly Sea Eagles

In an unusual and unprecedented act, the Wests Tigers have issued a congratulations to former player Luke Brooks on ending his record finals drought with rival club Manly. Tigers CEO Shane Richardson explains the decision.

luke brooks picture: nrl photos

The Wests Tigers have taken the bizarre approach of congratulating former halfback Luke Brooks for breaking his finals drought with rival club Manly.

In an unusual and unprecedented piece of PR, the Wests Tigers led their website on Tuesday with a tribute piece to the former halfback’s loyalty.

The article also included quotes from CEO Shane Richardson, who appeared to have a subtle jab at other players who decided to leave the club while Brooks stayed loyal.

Brooks was the only one of the so-called big four to stay loyal when the likes of James Tedesco, Mitchell Moses and Aaron Woods walked out the door.

“On behalf of everyone here at Wests Tigers, I want to congratulate Luke on achieving something that he has wanted for a long time,” Richardson said.

“Luke spent more than a decade as a Wests Tigers player, so he will always be a part of this family.

Wests Tigers congratulate Luke Brooks on finally playing finals football, for the Manly Sea Eagles.

Luke Brooks has a perfect winning record in finals following Manly’s win over Canterbury. Picture: NRL photos

“He showed loyalty when many didn’t.”

Richardson clarified to The Daily Telegraph that the bold decision to honour Brooks out of respect for his was loyalty to the club prior to his move to Manly.

In his first season at the Sea Eagles, Brooks has secured his first taste of finals footy and Richardson felt he deserved some recognition.

“We have to get over this world of dislike and hatred,” Richardson said.

“I was really proud that he managed to achieve his goal of making the final. I think we acknowledge that he spent many years trying to do that with us when others left.

“I just think it is acknowledgement of the years he spent with us. We wouldn’t have been able to bring Lachlan Galvin through unless he left and he has been able to achieve his goals after leaving.

“There has been too much bitterness and hatred. I want to move on from that.”

The quick-witted social media team of the Newtown Jets joined in the love-in for Brooks by posting to X: “We would also like to congratulate Luke Brooks on his recent finals success.”

We would also like to congratulate Luke Brooks on his recent finals success. #WeAre8972#FlyWithUs

— Newtown Jets (@newtownrlfc) September 18, 2024