Leeds Rhinos given opportunity to potentially swoop for reported NRL target

Reports emerged earlier this year that Leeds Rhinos are interested in signing NRL halfback Luke Brooks from the Wests Tigers.

Both of Leeds’ current halfbacks are coming to the ends of their deals and thus there is a degree of uncertainty about the position heading into 2024.

The pair do have plenty of history together playing alongside each other at Canberra Raiders when they finished in the top three of the NRL in 2016.

Both have been Man of Steel nominees during their time in Super League with Warrington Wolves and Huddersfield Giants respectively.

However, their time at Leeds has been up and down.

The two did help the Rhinos to the Grand Final in 2022 but Sezer missed it due to concussion protocols.

Thus, according to the Mole of Wide World of Sports, the Rhinos are interested in 28 year old Luke Brooks.

He is coming to the end of his deal but is yet to agree a deal to stay at the club despite the fact they let former Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils halfback join Newcastle Knights ahead of the new season.

Leeds are said to have a look at the halfback who could be said to suit the Super League style of play.

Brooks has recently spoken out on his future.

Speaking to ESPN, Brooks wouldn’t definitively say that he wanted to stay at the Tigers.

“Honestly, I don’t know,” Brooks said.

“Whatever happens, happens. If I stay here, it would be nice; if it doesn’t happen, so be it.

“It’s good to know you’re wanted. I’ve enjoyed staying out of it, and I’ll let my manager and the club sort it out.

“It always helps with the coach backing you.

“It doesn’t happen too often (to be a one-club player), but anything can happen.”

Without definitively saying he wants to stay with the Tigers, the door is still open for Leeds.

However, Tigers boss and former Hull KR coach Tim Sheens has confirmed the club will be offering him a deal saying to Zerotackle:

“I’m keen to keep him happy and keep him here – if we can make that happen, that’s what I want.”

Despite all of this, the Tigers are reportedly moving for an alternative in the shape of Manly’s Jake Schuster according to ZeroTackle.

There is nothing that says they can’t co-exist at the Tigers together but this confirms that Brooks will be offered a lower deal at the Tigers and with him no longer getting top billing could push him out the door.

This would create a superb opportunity for Leeds to swoop.