The Wests Tigers have issued an unusual statement regarding former halfback Luke Brooks following his first NRL Finals appearance last Sunday against the Canterbury Bulldogs.
Despite no longer being with the team, the Tigers congratulated Brooks on his recent achievements with the Manly Sea Eagles. After moving to the Sea Eagles at the end of last season, Brooks spent 11 years with the Wests Tigers, playing 205 games and scoring 233 points, having come up through the Balmain Tigers pathways alongside former teammate Mitchell Moses.
“Wests Tigers extend their congratulations to former halfback Luke Brooks for his accomplishments over the weekend with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles,” the statement on the Tigers’ website read. “Although he didn’t experience finals football during his time at the Tigers, Brooks relished his first taste of it on Sunday, helping the Sea Eagles secure a 24-22 victory over the Bulldogs.”
Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson also offered his congratulations, emphasizing Brooks’ loyalty during his tenure. “On behalf of everyone here at Wests Tigers, I want to congratulate Luke on achieving something he has long desired,” Richardson stated. “Having spent over a decade as a Wests Tigers player, he will always be part of this family. He showed loyalty when many did not.”
The Manly Sea Eagles are set to face the Sydney Roosters on Saturday night at Allianz Stadium, with the winner advancing to meet the Melbourne Storm for a shot at the 2024 NRL Grand Final.