Maguire convinced Brooks to stay at Wests Tigers

The departure of Ivan Cleary left Luke Brooks questioning his position at the Wests Tigers, but after a few weeks under Michael Maguire as head coach any doubts he had went away.

The halfback's decision to remain at the club for a further four years was finalised last week.

The 23-year-old, who has played 107 NRL games at the club, told pan66.com that he had faith that Maguire could take the club to the next level after witnessing the impact he was already started to have on the players.

"Getting my contract sorted wasn't weighing on my mind too much but it was something I wanted to have done before next year," Brooks said.

"When Ivan left I had a few thoughts about who's going to be our coach and what were some of my potential options in staying or heading to a new club.

"My heart was always at the Tigers and once I had a few weeks of pre-season under 'Madge' it helped me make my decision.

"I feel my decision was the right one and I know Madge is the one who will take us to another level moving forward.

"Madge is very passionate and driven and I think that the belief he already has in us has gone through to the players."

Brooks is coming off his best season in the league, displaying consistent weekly performances in the No.7 jersey to earn the Dally M Halfback of the Year award, while gaining the attention of NSW Blues coach Brad Filter.

The 23-year-old said his selection in the had given him even more motivation to continue to improve on his game.

"I'm grateful to be here and among so many other talented players," Brooks said.

"Being invited to the camp is a little reward for having a good year and that gives me motivation to keep on improving my game.

"I was happy with my performances throughout the year although one thing I do need to improve on is controlling the team for the full 80 minutes and not going in and out of games.

"Although I did back myself more this year, and as a half it's one of the most important things, I know that I played with confidence last season – having a good side and the boys I did around me helped that too."

The Wests Tigers were devastated to fall just short of the finals last season, finishing ninth on the ladder. With a new coach at the club and some fresh faces in Paul Momirovski and Ryan Matterson, Brooks said he was confident success was on the horizon for the club.

"We had a good season this year but not making the semis was very disappointing," Brooks said.

"We want to go better than that next year because we know we are capable of it.

"With Madge in control and some new players on board we will have a good year and strive to make the semis."