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.
7Kyle Flanagan (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
One of the more expensive players on this list with a $400,000 price tag, many would forget that Kyle Flanagan is only still 22 years of age.
Although he has struggled since joining the Bulldogs, Flanagan has shown plenty of potential for what he is capable of. In 2020 with the Roosters, he averaged 257 kicking metres per game and created 11 try assists.
With the additional signings of Viliame Kikau and Reed Mahoney, Flanagan is no longer the scapegoat of the Bulldogs' woes and he has grown into the No.7 jersey.
Playing a perfect role with Matt Burton in the halves, he can be expected to do the same with Adam Doueihi if he is bought over to the Tigers.
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.