Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks was the star of the show in his side’s remarkable victory over the Penrith Panthers in Bathurst on Saturday night.
Brooks received praise from all quarters after finishing with a try assist, four tackle breaks and two 40-20s as his side finished 12-8 winners.
Not only did the Tigers secure their first win of the season, they snapped a 12-game losing streak that stretched back 273 days.
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Playing in driving rain at Bathurst’s Carrington Park, Brooks took control of the side’s kicking game and was a standout along with hooker Apisai Koroisau and fullback Jahream Bula.
“It was good. I feel like it was a long time coming,” Brooks, the most maligned player in the competition, told Fox League.
“I feel like over the last few weeks we haven’t been playing too bad. We’ve been close.
“We were confident coming into the game today.
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“It was a tough one. They (the Panthers) have been the benchmark over the last three years.
“It was just great to get a win.”
Prop David Klemmer was another outstanding contributor for the Tigers, running for 209 metres.
The former NSW Blues front-rower was extremely complimentary of his teammate Brooks.
“I’m so pumped, especially for Brooksy, he was unreal, he’s been unreal the last few weeks,” Klemmer said.
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Klemmer added that the kicking games from Brooks and fellow half Brandon Wakeham were pivotal.
“The halves and the spine, they played good all game, made our job a lot easier, and Brooksy, he had the ball on a string,” he said.
“He had a couple 40-20s and kicked well.
“I’m just so proud, he deserved it.”
Koroisau met the Panthers, with whom he won two NRL titles, for the first time.
The gun hooker was ecstatic for Brooks.
“We spoke about kicking early so often, especially on tackle four, and Brooksy just took control today,” Koroisay said.
“I think all his kicks were pinpoint, as well. Two 40/20s from the bloke … I couldn’t be happier for him.”
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