‘Gut-wrenching’ injury confirmed in ‘horrible’ Manly blow

Luke Brooks′ season is officially over, with scans confirming the experienced playmaker suffered an ACL rupture at Brookvale Oval on Saturday night.

Brooks, who hadn’t missed a game since joining the Sea Eagles two years ago, failed to return for the second half of his side’s 30-4 win over Melbourne.

The 31-year-old was replaced by young gun Joey Walsh before the extent of his injury was confirmed by sideline reporter and NRLW star Tiana Penitani-Gray.

“There are huge concerns around his knee, it’s a suspected ACL as he sits there with some ice on the bench ... quite a sombre mood,” she said on Fox League, while Greg Alexander described the injury as “horrible”.

After taking a 24-0 lead into the break, Manly were placed on the back-foot in the second half when Will Warbrick crossed for the visitors’ first try before Walsh was sin binned for a hip-drop tackle on Ativalu Lisasti.

It mattered little in the end however, with the hosts scoring a comfortable win.

Speaking post-game, Manly coach Kieran Foran confirmed that the five-eighth would likely be out for the rest of the season with the ACL injury.

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“It’s absolutely devastating for Luke,” he said.

“We’re all shattered for him, we’ll obviously wait for confirmation but they’re pretty certain it is, which is gut-wrenching for us as a club, but more importantly Luke.

“We’ll get around him, he’s such a vital member to our footy club.”

Foran also paid tribute to the “bravery” shown by Brooks, who managed to play on with the injury for more than 10 minutes before half time.

“The medical staff are saying the fact he was able to stay on was quite incredible - it would have been incredibly painful,” the coach said/.

“We could see him in some trouble out there limping around. The fact he was able to play on is a massive testament to his bravery and his character.”

It has since been confirmed via The Sydney Morning Herald’s Christian Nicolussi that the five-eighth had suffered an ACL injury.

While they will be without Brooks next weekend, Walsh has been cleared to play against Parramatta after avoiding sanction for his tackle on Lisati.

However, the likes of Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolu Koula and Tom Trbojevic could be away on State of Origin duties as well.

Olakau’atu was at his rampaging best against the Storm, crossing for a first-half double and breaking seven tackles as he pushes for a NSW Blues recall.