Marshall believes Brooks is the Tigers’ future

According to Benji Marshall, halfback Luke Brooks is ready to take on the responsibility of becoming the Wests Tigers' No.7 for the remainder of his NRL career.

Despite being off-contract come the end of next season, Brooks' future at Wests looks more secure given the deal to bring Nathan Cleary across from Penrith failed to go through.

There had been many rumours and suggestions the Tigers were pursing Cleary to create that father-son combination with coach Ivan Cleary, but it looks like if that is to happen it will now take place at the Panthers.

Marshall was under the impression that both Cleary and Brooks could fit at the Tigers, but he said Brooks has shown enough during the 2018 season to take the reins all by himself.

Speaking to AAP, Marshall said he has been impressed by what Brooks has done in 2018.

“What I’ve seen on Luke’s transformation this year is a belief I haven’t seen previously in Luke, where he actually believes in himself,” Marshall said.

“He feels like he can take the game on and be the main man in the team and not be scared or shy of that.

“His growth gives me a lot of hope he is going to be the Tigers’ long-term No.7 for the rest of his career.”

2018 was a great year for Brooks as he claimed the club's player of the year award, as well as walking away with the Dally M Halfback of the Year.

With some experience and guidance by his side in the form of Marshall, Brooks was finally able to meet his potential that many saw within the teenage prodigy.

Over the last six years playing in the competition, the 23-year-old had more runs, line-breaks and tackle bursts this year than any other season as the Tigers eventually finished ninth after a killer start to the season.

Marshall said the expectation placed upon him at first was far too much.

“The pressure he has been under for the past few years, to be the next Andrew Johns was unwarranted pressure. The big four and all that rubbish,” Marshall said.

“I was just so proud to see him turn it around. And you know how he did it? Playing the way he played when he was a kid.

“When I first saw him play he used to run the ball, take the line on and be so strong and deceivingly fast.

“And not worry about controlling the team. As a halfback sometimes you can get too caught up in trying to control the team.”