Leeds Rhinos boss addresses Luke Brooks speculation; further update on off-contract stars
Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix
Australian reports have linked Leeds Rhinos with a move for Luke Brooks for the 2024 season, with Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer currently without deals for next year.
The Wests Tigers playmaker has been reported with a Super League move on numerous occasions, having received much attention during his career Down Under following disappointing seasons for the club, including a first wooden spoon in 2022.
However, The Daily Telegraph has now reported that 28-year-old Brooks is set to re-sign with his current club under Tim Sheens for the next two years on a deal worth more than $1million.
Brooks made his NRL debut in 2013 and remains a one club man during his career, winning the Daly M half-back of the year award in 2018.
Leeds coach Smith denied any moves for the NRL playmaker during his weekly press conference on Tuesday, although expressed his admiration for the 201-NRL game half-back.
Rohan Smith addresses Luke Brooks speculation plus contract updates
“He’s a good player. If he was here, that would be good,” Smith commented on Brooks.
“To my knowledge, I don’t know anything about that and I can go to sleep at night knowing that I’m not telling you guys [media] anything other than I know absolutely nothing about that.”
As mentioned, currently playmakers Austin and Sezer remain without deals for 2024, while James Bentley, James Donaldson and David Fusitu’a are also believed to be off-contract at Headingley Stadium.
Smith has previously confirmed that Liam Tindall and Sam Walters are set for Super League moves next year, while Zane Tetevano is currently sidelined indefinitely due to health concerns.
Meanwhile rising prospect Jack Sinfield has committed his future to the club beyond the current campaign.
“All players that are off contract could potentially stay,” Smith said.
“Some of those will be staying and will be announced in due time. Some of those are works in progress as well with ongoing negotiations.
“When there is one, we’ll be getting it out there.
“We’re talking to and have spoken to all those players and that’s a process that will take time in each individual case.”
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