Brooks is a victim of DCE's poor game management, just like the 20+ other 5/8's we've used over the last 10 years (barring Foz and Blake Green who just took up that role themselves). How many times this year have we seen DCE jump into dummy half on the last and force Brooks into taking the kick. Then you have the so called greatest field goal kicker of all time passing up two opportunities to take an attempt. You can say they weren't in great positions but when that's meant to be his strong suit, why not have a crack instead of bombing it or handing it to Brooks who everyone knows doesn't have that in him.
With that said Brooks isn't the answer either. Could've kept any of the young halves we've let go in recent years for a fraction of the price and we'd be no better or worse IMO. At least then we'd have space to improve the other obvious holes in our side.
I honestly believe that Humphreys would've been a better partner for DCE over the past 18 months. He's actually a game manager in the Foz/Green mould. That's what DCE started with, and will always need. Hence, I don't think the Roosters will make the finals with DCE/Walker. DCE/Savala will be a great combination, if that occurs at some point.
When DCE actually WANTS to game manage, Brooks has shone. E.g. Brooks had a streak of great form after Origin last year, because DCE was just steering the team around due to an injury. That was our peak form in the Seibold era, and since 2021. We were beating in-form sides. When DCE got over his injury, we immediately lost from a 16-0 lead against the Tigers...
DCE needs to learn that he doesn't have to be the centre of attack, we have weapons everywhere. I don't believe Seibold has the stature to tell him what to do, and/or DCE doesn't listen to him. I don't blame Seibold for this situation however, because DCE is our most capped player. He should've learnt this 10 years ago.
DCE has been a statistically great player for a long time, and has been able to create points on a dime. However, a halfback's role goes beyond just attack, and that's what the stats don't measure. DCE has always been terrible at defending leads.