Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens is adamant Luke Brooks is the man to steer the side around in 2023, blasting the “disgraceful” treatment the star receives from critics.
Brooks is set to miss the Tigers’ first trial as he recovers from a calf complaint, but Sheens isn’t worried about his star half’s fitness heading into an 11th NRL season.
“He and Mitchell (Moses) and (James) Tedesco were signed as our future spine way back in the day and it disintegrated. I think I was right, the three boys were pretty fair players,” Sheens said.
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“But if you win Dally M Halfback of the Year three or four years ago and you’ve still got your legs, then you can still play.
“Some of the criticism [of Brooks] is disgraceful. It’s paramount to bullying.
“But he’s held together, he’s staying with us, he’s looking forward to playing and I’m looking forward to coaching because I’ve never coached him.”
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Sheens shrugged off criticism of Brooks, given his hefty $1.1 million price tag for season 2023.
“I don’t care what the critics say,” Sheens said, when asked if the critics will be into Brooks until the Tigers make the finals.
“That’s their business, to be a critic. You can win or lose, he scores a try a game and they’ll say he’s the best on the team, which is how ridiculous in real terms. As far as I’m concerned, I’m not putting any pressure on him.
“Just to play good football in the team, like anyone. Do your job we’ve asked, take your chances, maybe get a bit greedier Brooksy.
“He could run a bit more. But in saying that, he’s training well.”
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Brooks will return to full training next week, Sheens confirmed, as he recovers from a calf injury.
“ His leg has stopped him from jumping in at the moment but he’s watched everything, he’s fit. It’s only getting that leg sorted and he starts next week,” he said.
“I don’t think we’ll have him for the first trial, I don’t think we’ll have a lot of the first guys for the first trial.
“Right at the moment though he starts full sessions next week. He’s been training hard, it’s not that he’s not but running and sprinting at this stage has been controlled by the staff.”
Earlier this week Brooks opened up on the constant pressure he’s faced with as the Tigers’ key playmaker.
“I guess it’s a part of it,” Brooks told foxsports.com.au this week.
“When you’re going good you get all the raps so it goes hand-in-hand.
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“I’m sort of used to it now, but as long as my teammates and the staff are happy with me then that’s all that matters.
“I try to stay away from it (the negativity) … Sometimes it can be hard though because it’s everywhere and people ask you about it but as much as I can, I try not to read into it.
“I learnt that a long time ago.”
The Tigers will meet the Warriors in Auckland on February 9 for the first trial match of the pre-season.
