In a world where NRL players cop criticism on a weekly basis for their salaries, very few have experienced it more than now-Manly star Luke Brooks.
During his decade-long tenure at the Wests Tigers, the five-eighth was one of the game’s highest-paid players, but was on the receiving end of backlash due to the side’s poor results.
Brooks earned around $1 million per season during his final years at Concord, which included a couple of wooden spoons and a host of coaching changes.
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While the heat has certainly gone off Brooks since his move to the Sea Eagles last year, the same can’t be said for Knights-bound playmaker Dylan Brown.
Brown signed the richest deal in history this week, leaving the Eels to take up a 10-year contract with Newcastle worth an estimated $14 million.
Dylan Brown will leave Parramatta at season’s end. Getty
Speaking to media on Tuesday after the deal was revealed, Brooks was asked about the type of scrutiny that comes with being a million-dollar marquee man in the NRL.
“Yeah definitely – [he is] the highest-paid player in the game, it definitely comes with a lot of pressure,” Brooks said.
“I feel like he’s definitely a bloke that doesn’t seem like pressure gets to him. I wish him all the best – if someone is willing to pay you that much, that’s what you’re worth.
“I think everyone in his shoes would be taking that deal.”
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While many are placing the blowtorch on Newcastle for the insane price tag, Brown’s critics haven’t been silent either and it will only get worse if he doesn’t perform.
But according to Brooks, there’s a simple way to avoid the external noise.
“It’s something that you get used to,” he said.
Luke Brooks has offered some advice to Dylan Brown. Getty
“For me, I just tried to block it all out and didn’t really read into anything. That’s what worked for me and I’m sure it works for a lot of others … just don’t worry about it.
“The only people that matter are the people who are close to you, your teammates and people at the club – they are the opinions that matter.
“If someone is willing to pay you that much, you’re with that much. I think anyone who has a dig at him, if they were in his shoes they would definitely be taking it.”
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