Luke Brooks acknowledged that leaving the Wests Tigers after more than ten years was a “tough” decision, but he also acknowledged that it was one he “had to make.”
Brooks told foxsports.com.au in one of his first one-on-one interviews since joining the Sea Eagles that severing connections with his previous club “felt like a weight off my shoulders.”
As a local Tigers youth, Brooks made a stunning debut as a young 18-year-old in 2013 and quickly rose to fame.
In addition to winning Halfback of the Year in 2018, Brooks also placed third in the Dally M count overall. The following season, he was named Dally M Rookie of the Year.
However, the 29-year-old had little success with the Tigers as a team member; in fact, he holds the regrettable record of playing in the most games without making it to the finals.
Even yet, Brooks found it difficult to leave the Tigers.
But he can now confidently state that it was the right choice.
“It was a difficult choice that I had to make, but coming here and settling in made me feel like it was the right one,” Brooks said to foxsports.com.au.
Although Brooks has previously had the chance to leave the Tigers—he nearly signed with the Knights prior to the 2023 season—he has always chosen to stay with the team.
Why this time? What made him decide to take the risk?
According to Brooks, “I think it was just the right opportunity and the right club.”
“I suppose it will benefit me to venture outside of my comfort zone after spending so much time with the Tigers. A change is necessary when you’re doing the same thing all the time.
Another big lure was the opportunity to play with players like Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic.
Regarding the star power on Manly’s roster, Brooks stated, “That’s definitely the main thing that attracted me to Manly.”
Many of the individuals on this side have played Origin, and I believe that some of their vast expertise will be helpful to me.
“I’m excited for a fresh start and, hopefully, some excellent football.”
Although Brooks played halfback for the most of his first-grade career, he will wear the No. 6 jersey.
I think I’m going to learn a lot from Cherry-Evans because he’s obviously done everything in the game, Brooks said.
“Playing with someone of that caliber excites me. Even at 34, he’s played some of his greatest football in recent years.
“Having two kickers on the team will aid with kicking, especially if you have a left and a right footer.
And in terms of my running style, I think I play the best football when I’m chasing the ball. I believe I’m surrounded with players who can assist me in achieving that.
