LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a disappointing turn of events for Wests Tigers, veteran halfback Luke Brooks will miss his final NRL home game due to a calf injury.
This means that Brooks, who has been with the club for 11 years, may have already played his last game for them.
Assistant coach Benji Marshall, who is set to be promoted to the head role in 2024, confirmed that Brooks would not be participating in the match against the Dolphins.
This game was supposed to be Brooks' opportunity to bid farewell to the home fans in 2023.
However, with his injury casting doubt on his availability for the team's remaining away games against the Roosters and Manly, he may not get the fitting farewell he deserves at his boyhood club before moving to the Sea Eagles next season.
Marshall expressed his disappointment at Brooks' injury, stating, "We want to send him off the right way because he's played 200 games and he's given his heart and soul and showed a lot of loyalty to us." The omission of Brooks from the lineup is expected to lead to a reshuffling of the team's spine, with captain Api Koroisau likely to take over as the new halfback, while Jake Simpkin steps into the hooker role.
It is indeed a sad situation for Luke Brooks and the Wests Tigers, as the playmaker misses out on the opportunity for a fairytale farewell.
His long-standing commitment and contribution to the club make his absence in the final home game a significant loss.