‘We’re changing things up’: Greed is good for Luke Brooks as Tigers revamp their attack

Some playmakers can be criticised for hogging the ball, but that’s exactly what Tim Sheens wants from halfback Luke Brooks in 2023.

Expect to see Luke Brooks run a lot more in 2023. Picture: AAP Image/Brendon Thorne

Luke Brooks has never seen the movie Wall Street, but a few discussions with returning coach Tim Sheens has helped him realise that greed is good when it comes to running a team.

The halfback enters the final year of his much publicised contract with plenty of pressure on him to end the club’s finals drought that dates back to 2011 before he had even made his debut.

It’s been a tough few years for Luke Brooks and the Tigers. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

But there’s a cautious optimism that Brooks is ready to produce his best under Sheens, with a focus on his running game set to unlock his best asset.

The 28-year-old Brooks burst onto the scene because of his running game and scored 16 tries in his first two full seasons.

Those numbers, however, have dried up entirely, with Brooks managing just 16 tries in his past five seasons playing behind a struggling forward pack that has given him no room to move.

Brooks and halves partner Adam Doueihi each had three line breaks in 2022, with the halfback averaging just 5.1 runs per game for his worst output since 2016 (4.2).

It’s why Sheens has encouraged him to run as often as possible, with Brooks declaring this pre-season is the most excited he’s ever been as the club finally heads in the right direction.

Brooks is in a great place and has vowed to run the ball more. Picture; Michael Dodge/Getty Images

“He spoke to me about being greedier, especially close to the line with running the ball and scoring tries,” Brooks said.

“He spoke to me a lot about scoring more tries, and that’s something I want to do because I haven’t scored too many lately. He wants me to run the ball and play my natural game.”

A more confident approach with the ball is exactly what the Tigers need after they scored the fewest points last season and played a style of rugby league that was hard to watch at times.

That’s why Sheens’ return is so important, with the veteran coach desperate to take his side back to the glory days when they played a unique style of footy that helped them win the 2005 premiership.

A new-look pack led by David Klemmer, John Bateman and Isaiah Papali’i will lay a platform for Brooks, who will get great service from incoming hooker Api Koroisau, who brings plenty of experience and premiership talent to the ruck.

The 2005 Tigers played an incredible brand of football.

“You just have to look back at the way the Tigers used to play under Sheensy,” said Brooks, who has been working closely with grand final hero Benji Marshall.

“They were always known for their attack, and that’s how we want to play. I think it suits not just my style but the whole team.

“We don’t want to be one of those teams that has five hit-ups and then kicks into the corner. It doesn’t matter where we are on the field, we want to play footy and move teams around the park.

“He’s always come up with plays that no one has seen before, so it’s exciting for me because it’s an exciting way to play. You’re keen to get on the field and try new things.

“Even just thinking about good plays is good for me because you don’t just want to copy what every team is doing. Just because the top teams do a certain play doesn’t mean it’s going to work for us, so we’re trying to come up with our own style.”

Adam Doueihi is quietly confident heading into the new season. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Doueihi is another player who will look to run more this season, and while he didn’t want to give too much away, he’s confident the Tigers will be one of the most entertaining teams to watch.

“We’re going to play a different style this year – a style that other teams haven’t seen before,” the five-eighth said.

“We’re really excited to show that to our fans. I can’t let out any secrets, but we’re not doing the ordinary block-to-block shape. We’re changing things up.”