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.
9Shaun Johnson (New Zealand Warriors)
The 2014 Golden Boot award winner, Shaun Johnson is one of the best players the Tigers could pick up due to his NRL experience and playing in big moments.
While many might not believe he will leave the Warriors, he has left them once before to play with the Cronulla Sharks. Instead, a move to the Tigers will see Johnson link up with his former halves partner Benji Marshall.
The 'Marshall Factor' could be a decisive reason for the Kiwi playmaker to join another club again.
Despite being 32 years old, Johnson has shown this season that his skill with the ball is ageing like fine wine and he is not afraid to take on the entire opposition with his stepping game.
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.