‘I’ve got to start winning games’: Brandon Wakeham faces halfback audition as Wests Tigers start planning for life after Brooks

The Wests Tigers will get a glimpse into what their future might look like with Brandon Wakeham and Daine Laurie set to combine in the halves in what shapes as a potential audition for starting spots in 2024.

The Tigers are looking for a long-term option at halfback after veteran Luke Brooks signed a deal to join the Sea Eagles next year, while star five-eighth Adam Doueihi is also set to miss most of 2024 as he recovers from another major knee injury.

Wakeham is off-contract at the end of the season but should get a good run in the No.7 jersey as he tries to prove to club bosses that he’s the right man to take them forward.

He struggled in the role against the Storm a couple of weeks ago and knows that he needs to chalk up some wins, otherwise the club will start to look elsewhere to replenish their playmaking stocks.

“It’s sad to see him (Brooks) go. He’s been at the club for a while, but in saying that, I’m happy that he’s secured a long-term deal so he can look after his young family,” Wakeham said.

“I’d like to be (the halfback next year), but in saying that, I’ve got to start winning games at No.7.

“I’ve got to play good footy. They’re not going to put someone in there who’s not performing. I found that out at the start of the year when I played a few games but was then dropped to NSW Cup.”

Brooks’ decision to join the Sea Eagles didn’t come as a major shock to anyone after he turned down a contract extension at the Tigers a few weeks ago to explore his options.

It ends a turbulent decade at the club. Brooks was hyped as the next Andrew Johns when he made his NRL debut in 2013, but his stint at the Tigers is yet to result in a finals appearances, with Brooks copping plenty of flak from fans and the media.

It’s why Tigers prop David Klemmer hopes a change of scenery leads to something special for the maligned halfback.

“At the end of the day, he’s got to look after himself as a man, and he’s a family man as well,” he said.

“He’s copped a lot over the years, so as a mate and teammate as well I’m disappointed that he’s not going to be with us, but he’s got to look after himself and his family.

“It’s well documented what he’s been through. He keeps it away from here, but you don’t know what’s behind closed doors when he goes home and what his family sees.

“He’s going to be a huge asset to that club and I’m just pumped for him as a mate to get out there and play his footy. He’s played some good footy this year and we’ll get him back in a couple of weeks.

“He’s played 200 games for the club, so him going to a new club in a new environment, new place, new structures and new culture (will be good). He’s just got to find his way and see something new, and maybe new is good for him.”