As Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks runs off-contract at the end of the season, the club has a difficult decision to make.

Zero Tackle takes a look at ten realistic options the Tigers could choose to replace the former Dally M Halfback of the Year.

All the players on the list are either off-contract at the end of 2023 or won't have an NRL club going into next season.

The options include six NRL players, three Super League players and an SG Ball halfback.

1Daine Laurie (Wests Tigers)

NRL Rd 1 - Wests Tigers v Storm
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 12: Daine Laurie of the Tigers shapes to pass during the round one NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Melbourne Storm at CommBank Stadium, on March 12, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

While it seems that Daine Laurie is currently on the outs at the Tigers, a position change could make him a useful commodity for the side.

The club's first-choice fullback for the past two seasons, the addition of Charlie Staines has seen him play more in the NSW Cup for the Western Suburbs Magpies rather than the NRL.

Fans and critics may believe this to be an absurd choice but many players in the past have successfully transitioned from fullback to halfback. One example is Melbourne Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes who was originally recruited as a fullback.

Moving Laurie to the halves accompanying Adam Doueihi will also cement Staines at fullback. This will allow the players to stay in the side and not be continually moved between NRL and NSW Cup.

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1 COMMENT

  1. That’s an imaginative list.

    I take it they are all off contract at the end of the year – I’m too lazy to check.
    Shaun Johnson is too old for a long-term replacement, and although he is having a great year this year there is no saying he will have a good year next. Ask any Cronulla supporter about his disappointing spell at the club.

    Speaking of Cronulla, Daniel Anderson could be worth a punt. He is behind Nico and Tricky Trindall in the halves pecking order, so he might jump at the chance to play first grade, albeit for a struggling club.

    The French guy from the Catalans is too big a risk: young, may struggle with the language, different country/culture, struggling team.

    Aidan Seezer knows the NRL and could be a sensible pick-up, as could be Loloheaia – or get ’em both ! If not paying a million for Luke, Wests could afford a new guy and a spare.