Daly Cherry-Evans summed it up perfectly like one of his smart plays when asked about the positive impact new five-eighth Luke Brooks is having on the Sea Eagles.
“He is smiling. He is happy,’’’ Cherry-Evans said following Manly's 21-14 win over the Sydney Roosters.
“For him to come here, he has worked hard and he has earned his team-mates respect.
“He has had two really great games so far. I’m really proud of him and I’m enjoying playing alongside him.”
Brooks made 126 metres from 14 runs, a linebreak, a linebreak assist, and a try assist in a performance that had Manly fans in sheer excitement as to what is to come.
It was a special first home game for Brooks, who had over 30 family members and friends fill up four outdoor boxes in the Jane Try Stand for the occasion.
Their sheer joy was obvious with every exciting run and play the former Wests Tigers half made in his 207th NRL game.
"It was scrappy towards the end. We just couldn’t put them away and it sort of made it hard for ourselves,’’ Brooks said of the game.
“But we will take the two points early in the year.
“To play my first game here at 4 Pines Park in the Manly jersey is a great feeling. To have my family here makes it even better.”
Sea Eagles Coach Anthony Seibold was full of praise for Brooks.
“He has done a really good job the first two weeks. He will only get better too,’ Seibold said.
“We feel as though he has made a really good start with the connection and cohesion with ‘Chez and ‘Turbo’.
“He’s playing with the Australian halfback and Queensland Origin captain, and Turbo, who has played for Australia and has played Origin.
“They’re the guys who lead us around. We don’t need Brooksy being that organiser, we just need him to bring his weapons.
“I often talk to the guys about bringing your weapons and playing to your strengths, rather than worrying too much about the opposition team.
“We have got a team full of weapons. ‘Brooksy’s’ weapons are taking the line on, he has got a great left foot kick and he is brave, he get’s his body in front.
“If he can bring those three things each week, I’m sure that helps ‘Chez’ do his role and helps ‘Turbo’’ and the other guys in and around him.”
