Rival clubs have welcomed news that any gifts bought for departing long-serving players will be excluded from the salary cap in light of the Wests Tigers’ decision to present Luke Brooks with a $1000 barbecue.
Brooks missed his last final home game against the Dolphins on Saturday because of a calf complaint.
But the Manly-bound playmaker gave a short speech to the fans in the middle of CommBank Stadium after the match, before being embraced by good friend and incoming coach Benji Marshall then presented with the unique gift.
The black Beefeater Bigg Bugg, which retails for around $1000, was even engraved with a special message for Brooks, who spent 11 years at the club and became just the fifth player to represent the joint venture in 200 games.
Departing players do not normally receive gifts, with some clubs preferring to make a presentation at awards nights with video tributes and signed jerseys.
Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe, whose chief financial officer phoned the NRL to make sure there were no cap implications with the Beefeater, told this masthead: “We all know Luke loves cooking. He said as much during a podcast he did with us. Rather than give him a ball or another signed jersey, why not give him something he will use?
Fire up ... Luke Brooks and his new barbecue, which will not be included in the Wests Tigers cap.
“Luke has a ute, and I was hoping he’d fire up the barbie and start a tailgate party in the CommBank car park after the game.”
One rival NRL club used to gift departing players surfboards, but it’s believed no player has ever received a barbecue. For the record, Brooks’ favourite cut of steak is the rump cap.
Any gift that benefits a player must be included in the cap, but the NRL are prepared to accept gifts that are within reason and given to long-serving or departing players.
Some club chiefs were unaware of this rule. Had the barbecue been donated by a third-party sponsor, it would have been exempt from the cap.
The flashy Beefeater retails for around $1000
Not everybody at the Tigers was aware it was Brooks’ final home game when contacted this time last week, while others insisted there had been something special planned for a month.
Brooks himself said he did not want any fuss made about him, especially given the last game was to be played in Parramatta. They play away to the Roosters this week and then the Sea Eagles at Manly.
“If it was a Leichhardt game, it would be different, but we have that many home grounds ... it is what it is,” Brooks said.
Brooks thanked the fans for their support, while Marshall told Brooks: “On behalf of the club, I’d like to congratulate Luke, thank him for his service to our club, he played over 200 games, through times when other people left us he showed great loyalty to us, he put his body on the line, and for that, we’ll always be proud of you.
“You’re a pleasure to coach and play with ... all the best at Manly, kill it, but [play] too good.”
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