Luke Brooks - the plate is hot

[The Insomniac]

Our worst since Morgan Harper & that's saying something. Hasn't got a clue this bloke.

 

[Scorpio]

Overall he's not bad, but after 250+ NRL games I think we know what we are (and are not) going to get from Brooks.

I would be okay to keep him but at the same time, Walsh seems to be bashing down the door in NSW Cup. Big decision coming up for the club and timing will be important.

 

[Tragic Eagle]

Selection in the top 17 should always be a a reward for good form and IMO Brooksie has been down on form for much of the season. If he does not pick up his form he should not be selected ahead of Walsh. He has offered very little in attack for he majority of the season and his defence has been at times below par. Successful sides make the hard calls.

 

[DanielTurbo888]

Yeah let's see Walsh and DCE in the halves together in the final game. Put Brooks on the bench.

 

[Not Paul Kent]

Yeah let's see Walsh and DCE in the halves together in the final game. Put Brooks on the bench.

What’s the point of a Walsh/DCE combo?

 

[MW66]

"Worst since Morgan Harper" is a tough call. Brooks has played well, albeit a bit inconsistent. He just is not, and never been the main man. With DCE off his game a bit he couldn't quite fill the void. On balance of his time with Manly I think he has been good, not great. Saying Walsh is a better option is a bit of a stretch. How do you think Brooks would go in NSW Cup. He would smash it. Walsh may or may not be an improvement over time however right now Brooks is the better first grader - by some margin.

 

[DanielTurbo888]

What’s the point of a Walsh/DCE combo?

So Walsh gets to experience playing alongside one of the best halves on his debut

 

[maxta]

Brooks has been pretty decent really.
Keep in mind he has had to play a set style against his natural game and when he has had opportunities in ab lib situations, has made some big plays.
In actual fact, I feel if we had the go forward in the middle with opportunities to attack a retreating defence rather than a dominant defence, he would have done way better.
He was like the big fish in the small pond at Tigers, so had to basically control the game, which is not his strength, along with being the X factor to make things happen, while at Manly around the T bros, DCE he becomes the small fish and at times looks confused as to what style of game he needs to play.
I feel he is best concentrating on his running game and he can do this if the platform is laid, which has been fairly rare unfortunately.

 

[Brocky]

He has being playing next to DCE who has not done anything as well this year

 

[The Who]

Brooks has been pretty decent really.
Keep in mind he has had to play a set style against his natural game and when he has had opportunities in ab lib situations, has made some big plays.
In actual fact, I feel if we had the go forward in the middle with opportunities to attack a retreating defence rather than a dominant defence, he would have done way better.
He was like the big fish in the small pond at Tigers, so had to basically control the game, which is not his strength, along with being the X factor to make things happen, while at Manly around the T bros, DCE he becomes the small fish and at times looks confused as to what style of game he needs to play.
I feel he is best concentrating on his running game and he can do this if the platform is laid, which has been fairly rare unfortunately.

I respect you opinion, but I can't agree. Brooks has had very little penetration. I can't recall any/many deft passes to put his outside backs through gaps, and his kicking has been average. He would have to be near the bottom of the least effective 5/8th in the comp.
One characteristic he does possess is the ability to remain uninjured.

 

[maxta]

I respect you opinion, but I can't agree. Brooks has had very little penetration. I can't recall any/many deft passes to put his outside backs through gaps, and his kicking has been average. He would have to be near the bottom of the least effective 5/8th in the comp.
One characteristic he does possess is the ability to remain uninjured.

I pretty much hear and agree his penetration has been limited, he is limited to play into a "system" which is not how he played all those years before at Tigers where he had a free rein.
That's why I say as a "running" half, would look far better taking the line on after the middles won momentum...but is playing a 'role" where he is a pawn in the predictable lateral shifts time and again.

 

[The Insomniac]

What’s the point of a Walsh/DCE combo?

Cause DCE's going ok along with his goal kicking. Brooks is playing like a busted a#$e.