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The Wests Tigers have released a bizarre statement regarding their former halfback Luke Brooks after he broke the longest finals drought in NRL history at his new club Manly. Brooks left the club at the end of 2023 after a decade to join Manly on a four-year deal culminating with his side’s gutsy 24-22 sudden death final win over the Bulldogs on Sunday. In a strange move, the club released a statement congratulating the 29-year-old for his performance in the maroon and white, while acknowledging his feat in claiming victory in what was his first ever finals appearance of his 11-year career - the longest play-off drought of any player in NRL history.
Watch the best coverage of the 2024 NRL finals, with expert analysis and every game until the Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today > He played 205 games and notched 233 points during his time at the Tigers, and came through a period in which the club boasted upcoming talent such as Mitchell Moses and James Tedesco – both of whom left the club for greener pastures that has included grand final wins and representative honours. “Wests Tigers wish to congratulate former halfback Luke Brooks on his achievements over the weekend for Manly Warringah Sea Eagles,” the statement said.
“Although he did not play finals footy in his time at the Tigers, Brooks certainly enjoyed his first taste of finals footy on Sunday, helping the Sea Eagles to a 24-22 victory over the Bulldogs.” MORE NRL NEWS FINALS BATTLES: War to be crowned back row’s ‘best’; superstars fullbacks face-off ‘BUY IN OR BE SHOWN DOOR’: Bennett home truths that stung Souths in ultimatum WHISPERS: Cobbo sale nears amid $1m bidding war as Broncos deadline looms Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson also chimed in to publicly congratulate Brooks on the win adding “he showed loyalty when many didn’t” in a possible dig at the litany of past talent who have left the club in recent years. “On behalf of everyone here at Wests Tigers, I want to congratulate Luke on achieving something that he has wanted for a long time,” Richardson said in a statement.
“Luke spent more than a decade as a Wests Tigers player, so he will always be a part of this family. “He showed loyalty when many didn’t.” Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles will face-off against the Roosters on Saturday night at Allianz Stadium for a chance to progress to a grand final qualifier against the Storm in Melbourne.
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