Reported Leeds Rhinos target has verbally agreed to deal for 2024

Reports emerged last week 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 due 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 though they were both impressive against Catalans Dragons last week especially Blake Austin.

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

Both halfbacks are currently on five Man of Steel points for the season and Austin recently nailed a match winning drop goal against Champions St Helens but both have dealt with injuries in their Headingley careers and have been a touch inconsistent.

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.

Now it has been reported that Brooks has a verbal agreement for 2024 but not with the Rhinos.

“There has been some talk around the game that when the negotiations were going on to try and move him to Newcastle that his management said well he can stay but we’d like an understanding he will also be here for 2024,” James Hooper said on Fox League.

“So if that’s the case, it is only verbal, nothing has been finalised.”

Speaking yesterday, Leeds boss Rohan Smith was asked about a potential move for Luke Brooks and he said: “I am unaware of any interaction with Luke Brooks or his management.”

When asked about the contract situation with Sezer and Austin, Smith added:

“We will certainly have to progress our roster building for 2024 and that is a daily process.”