Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks says he’s fully recovered from a hamstring injury and ready to get stuck in alongside his new halves partner Tuimoala Lolohea this Saturday night when they take on the in-form Cronulla Sharks.
Having not played for the side Round 10 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs — well before Lolohea even joined Wests Tigers — the star halfback has been forced to watch from the sidelines over the last month, and after coming agonisingly close to making his return from injury last weekend, says he can’t wait to take to the field this weekend.
“I’m all good,” he said. “I wanted to play last week but we just held it back a bit — it’s frustrating being on the sidelines not being able to help but it’s good to be out there.
“I think all the boys are keen to come out this week and really make up for last week’s performance. That wasn’t our best footy and we want to show what we can do.”
Barring any further injuries, Brooks looks set to combine with Lolohea in the halves for at least the remainder of season 2017 before the arrival of Josh Reynolds to the Club in 2018, and spoke about how the former Warrior’s arrival has helped change the side.
“I think when Tui takes the line on, that’s when he plays his best footy,” Brooks said.
“He’s got good footwork and good skills as well, and it was really exciting to see that on the weekend. Hopefully he can bring that out again this weekend.
“I haven’t played or trained with Tui too much, so it might take a bit of time to get that combination going but I’m really excited to get out there with him this week.
“For me, this is my team now, so I’ve got to take full control of the side,” he continued. “Especially as the halfback I’ve got to take control, so that’s an exciting challenge.
“It’s part and parcel of your job as the halfback to own the team, and I’m excited for it.
“We’re not sitting where we want to be, but it only takes one win to get back on track. And we’re still a chance for the semis. Anything can happen — I remember last year we weren’t in a great spot but we strung a few wins together and came close to the semis.
“So we can take some confidence out of that and just look to build one game at a time.”
See what Brooks had to say in full about Saturday’s match in the video above!
Be there at Campbelltown Stadium when we take on the Titans for Friday Night Football!
