Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Sport
Scott Bailey

Brooks unsure on Tigers future after 200th-game heroics

West Tigers' Luke Brooks waves to the crowd after receiving the 200-game match ball. (Steven Markham/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Luke Brooks has admitted he is unsure if he wants to stay at Wests Tigers, remaining non-committal on his future hours after his finest night for the NRL club.

Brooks was the star of his 200th NRL game on Saturday, as the Tigers piled on the biggest score in the combined 207-season history of Western Suburbs, Balmain and the joint-venture.

Often maligned by fans, Brooks could not hide his smile as his name chanted around Leichhardt Oval after the Tigers' 66-18 win over North Queensland.

The attention is now set to turn to his future, after coach Tim Sheens revealed that the Tigers would spend the bye week tabling an offer for the 28-year-old to stay next year.

Asked directly if he wanted to stay at the Tigers, Brooks did not offer a firm answer.

"Honestly, I don't know," Brooks said.

"Whatever happens, happens. If I stay here, it would be nice; if it doesn't happen, so be it."

The Tigers halfback has so far made a point to stay out of negotiations and leave them with his management, and said he would only enter them once his manager brings him an offer.

But he remains realistic that the romanticism of finishing as a one-club player may not be realistic..

"It's good to know you're wanted. I've enjoyed staying out of it, and I'll let my manager and the club sort it out," Brooks said.

"It always helps with the coach backing you.

"It doesn't happen too often (to be a one-club player), but anything can happen."

If Brooks does stay, Tigers fans will hope Saturday night represents a new dawn for both him and the club.

The playmaker had a hand in three tries, but it was the way he was happy to run the ball and show a willingness to kick early that was most pleasing.

His form has coincided with the Tigers winning three of their past four games, with Brooks standing up and taking control with Adam Doueihi out for the year.

"I think it's confidence over the last few weeks (that's been the difference), and I feel like I've gone out on the field with not too much to worry about," Brooks said.

"I've kept it simple, and that's when I play my best footy.

"When our forward pack goes forward, and they have all year, it opens up opportunities for me."

Brooks was one of many stars for the Tigers on Saturday night, with Jahream Bula, Apisai Koroisau and John Bateman all impressing.

Brooks also compared centre Starford To'a to being like Greg Inglis for the way he dominated Valentine Holmes and scored a double in the win.

But the most pleasing aspect for the Tigers was still the milestone night for Brooks, who has for so long been a punching bag for fans.

"It's a part of the game, I'm not the only person who cops it," Brooks said.

"People would spray Cameron Smith, and he was the best player, so everyone cops it. You won't make everyone happy. It's a part of it."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.