Luke Brooks’ contract expires at the end of the season and the Tigers’ playmaker reportedly won’t extend his stay at Concord. The player has spent 11 years with the Tigers after making his debut in 2013.
Even though Brooks’ Wests Tigers career has been hampered by injuries, he managed to string a longer run of injury-free games this season. However, the halfback was once again ruled out of action on Thursday when he suffered a hamstring injury against Gold Coast.
Brooks Rejected Tigers’ “Fair Market Value Offer”
According to Tigers’ chairman Lee Hagipantelis, the club tabled an offer which he described as “market value” but the halfback rejected it, informing the club he wanted to explore his options.
Hagipantelis was disappointed with Brooks’ decision, as he thought the contract offer was “fair.” The Wests Tigers’ chair claimed their interest in keeping the stalwart was “bona fide and genuine.” However, he also said he understood Brooks’ desire to explore the market.
Brooks’ Departure Will Free Up Funds for Transfers
The Wests Tigers may actually benefit from Brooks looking to move elsewhere as that would free up space in the Tigers’ salary cap. Brooks is said to be on a deal worth half a million dollars a season, so his departure would allocate more funds to be spent on transfer targets. Some of that money could go to Sea Eagles’ Josh Schuster, who has been on the Tigers’ radar for some time, while Dragons’ Ben Hunt is also a target.
However, Hagipantelis didn’t rule out the possibility of Brooks staying. The Tigers’ chairman said the club is not closing the door and if the playmaker had a change of heart, they would sit down with his manager and reconsider any alternative proposals.
