Seibold extends a warm greeting to restore Brooks to his peak.
Anthony Seibold is more than happy to show Luke Brooks affection because he is well aware of what it’s like to be a punching bag.
Having left the Wests Tigers for Brookvale during the off-season, Brooks is back in the NRL for his twelfth season, however he has yet to make an appearance in the finals.
It is hoped that the 29-year-old can regain the form that won him the Dally M halfback of the year title in 2018 away from the glare and scrutiny of the Tigers, and with a composed No. 7 in Daly Cherry-Evans.
Cherry-Evans and Brooks had their first practice together on Friday against St George Illawarra in an opposing session.
And Seibold is sure the playmaker can flourish without more pressure, having worn many divots during his disastrous time at Brisbane.
“That was the first time we got to see ‘Brooksie’ in a Manly jersey, which was pretty cool,” Seibold continued.
“We aimed to give him a sense of acceptance and belonging.
“We welcome ‘Brooksie’ into our group and run an extremely strong program for him.
As a coach, I’ve taken a couple blows to the face, so I could see where he was coming from.
I can sympathize with what he’s been through.
“All we ask is that he enter and perform his duties.
“The faces of our club are ‘Chez’ (Cherry-Evans), Tom (Trbojevic), and Jake (Trbojevic). Brooks doesn’t have to be that; all he needs to do is compete fiercely, and we’re pleased with his development.”
Josh Schuster had to move to the back row when Brooks joined Manly, but the strong Samoan international has struggled with injuries in the preseason.
Three injuries—a broken finger, chickenpox, and a bothersome calf issue—have affected his off-season training.
Seibold, nevertheless, is adamant that the 22-year-old will be ready for their trial on February 17 and their season opening in Las Vegas on March 3.
“It’s really unfortunate for ‘Shuey’ because he was in as good a condition as I’ve seen in the 14 to 15 months I’ve been here,” Seibold stated.
“I’m not sure where the story that he doesn’t train comes from, but it’s untrue.”
“We anticipate him playing in our second trial, which is against the Roosters.
“He’s beginning to show indications of maturing, and over the next few years, I anticipate seeing the best of him.
“It’s not going to be overnight, but there’s not too many players you coach like Josh.”
