The Mole: Potential 'problem' that could hit Sea Eagles if Luke Brooks gamble falls flat
The addition of Luke Brooks could make or break the Sea Eagles' finals campaign in 2024.
Brooks has been much maligned at the Tigers for much of the past decade and a change of clubs could be the best thing for him - albeit late in his career.
Brooks has plenty to offer with his speed and kicking game and if he is a success, he will take some of the playmaking pressure off fellow veteran Daly Cherry-Evans.
READ MORE: Aussie overcomes bizarre issue to win world gold medal
READ MORE: Gun recruit, hookers kick off NRL 50-1 countdown
READ MORE: Volkanovski relinquishes title in stunning knockout defeat
But if the move doesn't work, coach Anthony Seibold will have a problem at No.6 and may have to move the enigmatic Josh Schuster back there from second row.
Anthony Seibold will want to return the Sea Eagles to finals football. Getty
Schuster has spent the summer preparing his body for a full-time move to the forwards so a switch back to the backline would not be ideal.
The Sea Eagles have bolstered their backline - former Tiger Tommy Talau will challenge veteran Brad Parker for a centre spot and ex Rooster and Rabbitoh Jaxson Paulo adds depth to the wings.
The forwards will be pretty much the same group that were hot some days, cold on others in 2023 although Corey Waddell will push for a spot in the 17 after moving from the Bulldogs.
The aggressive Matt Lodge is still on the comeback trail from ACL surgery and will miss the opening rounds but should push for a spot in the pack once he returns.
2024 gains: Luke Brooks (Wests Tigers), Tommy Talau (Wests Tigers), Jaxson Paulo (Roosters), Aitasi James (Wests Tigers), Corey Waddell (Bulldogs).
2024 losses: Samuela Fainu (Wests Tigers), Kelma Tuilagi (Eels), Morgan Harper (Eels), Kaeo Weekes (Raiders), Sean Keppie (Rabbitohs), Morgan Boyle (unsigned), Christian Tuipulotu (Dragons).
SEA EAGLES' BEST 17
1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolu Koula 4. Tommy Talau 5. Reuben Garrick 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Jake Trbojevic 9. Lachlan Croker 10. Taniela Paseka 11. Josh Schuster 12. Haumole Ola'akautu 13. Josh Aloiai 14. Gordon Cham Kum Tong 15. Toafofoa Sipley 16. Ben Trbojevic 17. Ethan Bullemor
