Andrew Johns, a legendary figure in rugby league, has advised against Luke Brooks returning to the halfback position, especially in light of Daly Cherry-Evans’ impending exit from the Sea Eagles. Earlier this pre-season, there were suggestions that Brooks could transition back to the No. 7 jersey, with Tom Trbojevic potentially moving to five-eighth and Lehi Hopoate taking over at fullback. However, after Cherry-Evans announced his departure, reports indicated that Manly is now considering Raiders halfback Jamal Fogarty as a replacement.
Speaking on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour, Johns described Fogarty as a promising player who could be an excellent fit for the Sea Eagles. He warned against shifting Brooks back into a position where he has received significant criticism during his time with the Tigers. "I wouldn’t want to see Luke Brooks go into the playmaking role at halfback," Johns remarked, referencing the need for careful consideration regarding player roles.
Johns also mentioned an emerging talent in Joey Walsh, who, at 18 years old, is still a couple of years away from being ready for that pivotal position. The speculation surrounding Fogarty’s future could intensify with Johns’ comments, potentially increasing the player’s value.
In terms of broader implications, Johns believes that Fogarty is nearing the level required for the Maroons’ halfback position, stating, "He’s a really good player, nice and steady, and can get his team around the park." He noted that if anything were to happen to Cherry-Evans, competitive options for the Queensland halfback role would likely include Fogarty, Braydon Trindall, and Sam Walker.
As the rugby league scene gears up for renewed discussions about player transfers and positioning, the focus will remain on how clubs like Manly navigate these changes, especially with significant figures like Johns weighing in on potential strategies.