Arthur Stanley
HE’S considered one of the most exciting young talents in the game and he’s thrilled to be joining Stadium Australia’s elite team of sporting ambassadors after a whirlwind start to his NRL career.
For Luke Brooks, 19, the relationship seems a natural fit. “I grew up in western Sydney and played my junior football with Holy Cross College Ryde and Leichhardt Wanderers – now I’m with Wests Tigers who have signed long-term agreement to play their major games at Stadium Australia.
“My family and I love getting out to the Stadium to watch major events.
“It was an awesome experience playing in front of 50,686 fans on Easter Monday and hopefully that will be the first of many big games I play at Stadium Australia.”
Brooks joins Rabbitohs rugby league superstar Greg Inglis, Bulldogs Origin hopeful Josh Reynolds, rugby’s hottest talent Israel Folau, Sydney Swans co-captain Kieren Jack, Australian cricket’s most exciting player Dave Warner and the third most capped player in Socceroos history, Brett Emerton, as Stadium Australia sporting ambassadors.
“It’s a real honour to be among this group and I can only hope to match their achievements in sport. I’m excited to be working with such a great organisation,” said Brooks. “I’ve seen the plans for the Stadium Australia redevelopment and the future is very exciting for Sydney.”
Brooks’ appointment was announced tonight at a sold-out annual Stadium Australia Members’ Dinner.
Wests Tigers this year announced a 10-year agreement to play a minimum of four home games a season at Sydney’s Olympic venue. Tigers Members will enjoy access to eight games at the Stadium, with reciprocal rights to four “away” games against other clubs which call Stadium Australia home.
The Tigers will be back at the Stadium as the away team on Friday 13 June to play the Rabbitohs, with their next home game a Round 19 blockbuster against the Canterbury Bulldogs on Sunday 20 July.
Stadium Australia Managing Director, Daryl Kerry, said he was delighted to welcome rising star Brooks to the Stadium’s ambassador program.
“Our sporting ambassadors play an important role for us by representing the Stadium in the community and particularly in relation to the extensive charity work we do,” he said.
“Among our charities are The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and disability service provider Northcott, and I know Luke is looking forward to being involved in that side of our business. Our ambassadors also engage regularly with our Stadium Australia Members and corporate guests.
“Luke is an outstanding young man and one of the most exciting young players in the NRL so we are pleased to have Luke on board, joining an extraordinary group of athletes.”
Tigers CEO, Grant Mayer, said of Brooks’ appointment: “Luke has been in exemplary form this year and we think that he is a great fit for one of our newest partners in Stadium Australia.
“The Stadium experience so far has been fantastic and we are looking forward to our upcoming three home games at the ground in 2014.”
