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.
2Daniel Atkinson (Cronulla Sharks)
Despite only having one NRL game to his name so far, Daniel Atkinson has evolved into a great playmaker for the Newtown Jets in the NSW Cup.
Only 22 years of age, the Italian playmaker has had amazing mentors to help develop his skills.
Originally learning from Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes at the Storm he is now learning from Matt Moylan and Nicho Hynes at the Sharks.
In five appearances for Newtown in the NSW Cup, Atkinson has scored three tries, forced three drop-outs and set up three tries with his incredible playmaking skill.
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.