Brooks targeting next fortnight as crucial run for side

Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks says the next fortnight is a crucial little run for his side as they look to bounce back from two consecutive defeats and stay in touch with the top eight.

After beginning the year strongly, Michael Maguire's side have slipped to the edge of the top eight following last week's bye and know the importance of getting the next fortnight right before having another week off in the Representative Round.

"Coming off two losses, it's a big part of the season for us," Brooks enthused.

"We've got two games [against the Raiders and Cowboys] and then we have another week off so we'll be looking to win both of these games.

"After two losses, it's important that we get a good performance in and two points."

With three Origin players potentially set to back up for the Raiders this week after their scrappy win over the Bulldogs last Saturday, Brooks said the visitors posed a tough test for Wests Tigers and one that they'd need to be ready to handle. 

"They're a tough side and they've got some tough players in their forward pack," Brooks said. "They've got a big forward pack too.

"We're going to have to be on our best game to handle that.

"They're playing some good footy this year — they're a bit unpredictable and they've got good attacking players and players that can score from anywhere.

"Our defence is going to have to be good."