“He’s been awesome for us. He’s come here, really talked up the way he wants to play footy, and the way he wants to get the ball, and he’s gone out and done it. He moves across the field really well.
“And he’s playing with a smile on face, which everyone loves to see.”
Haumole Olakau’atu will play a big role in helping Luke Brooks get one over Mitchell Moses.Credit: Getty Images
Manly prop Josh Aloiai, who played with Brooks and Moses at the Tigers, was well aware of their bond, but also how competitive they are.
“They won’t hold back any punches and will go after each other,” Aloiai said.
“I respect them both. Brooksy is my mate and my teammate, and I’ll do anything for him. Mitch is one of Parramatta’s leaders who has been consistent for a long time now.
“The rugby league world is loving seeing Brooksy play again, and are getting behind him.”
Luke Brooks’ record against Mitchell Moses
- Round 20, 2017 – LOST 17-16
- Round 8, 2018 – LOST 24-22
- Round 6, 2019 – LOST 51-6
- Round 17, 2019 – LOST 30-18
- Round 11, 2020 – LOST 26-16
- Round 20, 2020 – LOST 28-24
- Round 4, 2021 – LOST 36-22
- Round 14, 2021 – LOST 40-12
- Round 6, 2022 – WON 21-20
- Round 17, 2022 – LOST 28-20
- Round 6, 2023 – LOST 28-22
Brooks was often a punching bag at the Tigers because of their lack of success. At Manly, there is not as much pressure to come up with a big play, especially with evergreen halfback Daly Cherry-Evans and “Turbo” in the side.
“There was some very harsh criticism on him the last couple of years, and they [Tigers fans] expected him to be Thanos with all his rings and change the world, which is hard to do,” Aloiai said.
When asked who Thanos was, Aloiai said: “The guy from Avengers who took over the [universe]. He was expected to be undefeatable. I’m happy to see my little mate going so well.”
One Sea Eagle who will have a big say on whether Brooks notches a rare victory against Moses is Haumole Olakau’atu.
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Olakau’atu attended Merrylands High – deep in blue and gold territory – and has started the year in top form.
Aloiai said he was the best back-rower he had ever played with, while Trbojevic hailed him “the best player in the comp after two rounds”.
“There’s no way he doesn’t make that Blues side,” Aloiai said of Olakau’atu. “You couldn’t watch him and think any Queenslander would want to tackle him.
“You see him kick, he offloads, passes, you don’t want to run straight at him because he’ll snap you in half, and at the same time he’s got so many tackle-breaks in him. What can’t he do?”
Trbojevic added: “You just have to pass him the ball and see what happens. He’s a hard man to tackle. I’m glad I don’t have to do it every weekend.”
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