Wests Tigers: Under-fire Luke Brooks makes surprise admission over his next move

Luke Brooks says he is fully committed to the Wests Tigers and would like nothing more than to re-sign and see out his playing days with the club.

The Tigers have had a disastrous start to the 2022 NRL campaign. They sit bottom of the ladder after losing their opening five games and have scored just 42 points. Coach Michael Maguire is under-fire but Brooks has also copped some flak.

The pundits and media have been critical of the playmaker’s performances. There has also been talk of him being unsettled and seeking a move away.

Some reports claimed that he could be on his way to the Canterbury Bulldogs. Such a deal would see Bulldogs half Kyle Flanagan moving in the opposite direction.

Wests Tigers the club for Brooks

However Brooks has hit back at the critics and says he is more committed than ever. In fact he is keen to stay a one-club player.

“I have this year and next year to go. I’m committed,” he told reporters. “Anyone who knows me, knows if I’m here I’m going to be fully committed. “Being a one club player is rare but it would be great for me to do that. It’s a business and it doesn’t happen often.”

Brooks has also been spared the axe following the 30-6 hammering against the Sharks last Sunday. But with Jackson Hastings returning to the side there is a change in position.

The Tigers face an in-form Parramatta side on Easter Monday and Maguire has made changes. Hastings will play halfback following his suspension which means Brooks will play five-eighth.

Brooks is delighted to take the No.6 jersey as he believes it will free up his running game.

“(Jackson) is going to be first receiver and the prominent half. I’m going to play off the back of him,” Brooks added. “Madge and I spoke about what works for me and gets me to play my best footy. That’s running the ball.”

Doueihi poised to return

The switch could cause him an issue further down the line though. Adam Doueihi is closing in on a return following a knee operation. He is expected to be back in around six weeks and will want the No.6.

But it does give Brooks the chance to cement his place at five-eighth in the coming weeks. For now Brooks remains focused on that job and is ignoring the critics.

“They are having their two cents. Why would I listen to what they say?” he said. “The opinions which matter to me are the people at this club.”