Missing the opening game of the year through suspension, halfback Luke Brooks again produced another strong season for Wests Tigers — playing 21 games in total before missing a further two games through injury late in the season.
After a slow start, the former Dally M Rookie of the Year soon found his feet in season 2016, with additional composure and consistency in his game helping Wests Tigers bounce back from a six-game losing streak to win four of their next six games.
Continuing to develop and enhance his combination with Mitchell Moses and James Tedesco, Brooks’ long kicking game continued to feature as a strength during the year, before a knee injury suffered in Round 21 saw him sidelined for a short period.
Returning ahead of schedule, Brooks and Moses took Wests Tigers to the edge of the top eight heading into the final round, but were unable to get a Round 26 victory against the Canberra Raiders to give the Club’s its first finals berth since the 2011 season.
Finishing the year with 14 try-assists, 19 linebreak assists and three 40/20 kicks, Brooks’ creativity was continually on show throughout season 2016, with the 21-year-old no doubt keen to take his game to a new level in season 2017 with Wests Tigers.
Taking up an option in his contract during the year to remain with the Club for another season, Brooks passed Premiership winner Scott Prince during the season for the most tries by a Wests Tigers halfback, with his 22 tries now the highest in Club history in just 66 games.
2016 Year in Numbers
Games |
Tries |
Metres |
Linebreaks |
Try Assists |
Kick Metres |
21 |
5 |
1095m |
3 |
14 |
4426m |
Top Try — Round 9 vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
With his side on a roll early against the Rabbitohs, Luke Brooks continued his good career form against Michael Maguire’s men with a superb four-pointer — chipping to perfection in the corner before collecting the bounce to beat Greg Inglis and score.
Despite losing fullback James Tedesco to a shoulder injury at halfback, Brooks would help guide his side to a 30-22 win in the end, adding another two try-assists.
Best Game — Round 14 vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs
Bettering his performance against the Rabbitohs earlier in the year, Brooks showed tremendous composure and consistency in his side’s Round 14 30-14 win over South Sydney. In particular, his long kicking game was crucial in his side recording a season-high 87% completion rate, with eight long kicks for 222 metres.
Brooks was also dynamic close to the line, recording two try-assists, two linebreak assists and three tackle breaks in the 16-point victory at ANZ Stadium.
Magic Moment — Round 16 vs. Melbourne Storm
Down 26-0 at half-time, Brooks and Tedesco almost conjured up an incredible comeback against the Storm, with the halfback running wild in the second half. After scoring a try of his own, Brooks produced one of the try-assists of the season with an incredible flick pass setting up Tim Simona with his wrong hand while being tackled. His side would go on to lose 29-20, but there was no denying the highlight of the night from Brooks.
Milestones and Achievements
50th NRL game — Round 6 vs. Newcastle Knights
Most career tries by a Wests Tigers halfback (Round 9 vs. Rabbitohs)
