Melbourne legend Cameron Smith has revealed the Storm were interested in signing embattled Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks.
Brooks, 27, has played his entire NRL career at the Tigers and was once touted as the next big playmaker in the game, likened to legendary No.7 Andrew Johns.
But the Tigers haven’t played finals in a decade, and Brooks has copped the brunt of criticism for the club’s ill fortune.
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He was linked to a move to Newcastle over the off-season, and requested a release, but the Tigers dug their heels in and refused to let him leave.
Now, Smith says the Knights weren’t the only rival club keen on luring Brooks away.
“Joey (Johns) has spoken about how he would take him up to Newcastle to play there,” Smith told 9News.
“I actually believe not so long ago the Storm were interested in taking Brooks down there, as a replacement for Cooper Cronk.
“The young man has got some quality… he just needs to find some confidence.”
Cronk was the Storm halfback until leaving in 2017, and he went on to win consecutive premierships with the Roosters before retiring.
Jahrome Hughes now wears the purple No.7 jumper and has blossomed into one of the best halfbacks in the game.
The Tigers have won three of their last 14 games, and are winless through three rounds this season.
The heat is on coach Michael Maguire, and Smith was asked how long ‘Madge’ will last if the team doesn’t improve.
“Maybe a few more weeks,” Smith said.
“If there is a loss again tonight for the Tigers it just adds more pressure to the players, it adds more pressure to the coach.
“Personally I know Madge, he is a great coach. He is a premiership coach… he’s got great qualities about him.
“I just think this team needs to find its groove again. They weren’t too far away last week, they were maybe a Bunker decision away from winning a game.
“A victory will do wonders for them.”
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