He was a standout in the OFC U16 tournament just finished. Not the best level to assess him at but he was bigger, stronger and quicker than most and pretty good technically. Excited to see how he develops.
If Luke Brooke-Smith happens to make his A-League debut in Round 22 or sooner then he'll break Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues' record as the Wellington Phoenix's youngest ever player (who in turn broke Ben Waine's previous record by more than five months)
Saw him once this season, he looked a very skillful player and a powerful runner. I was very impressed with what I saw he was Hamilton Wanderers best player on the day. His potential is huge and I would think he will only get better in a professional environment.
If Luke Brooke-Smith happens to make his A-League debut in Round 22 or sooner then he'll break Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues' record as the Wellington Phoenix's youngest ever player (who in turn broke Ben Waine's previous record by more than five months)
He smashed the record in the end. Physically, he does look like he can hold his own already which is a massive bonus.
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
RR
coochiee
A date he might already be penning in his diary
The Niche Cache @thenichecache
If Luke Brooke-Smith happens to make his A-League debut in Round 22 or sooner then he'll break Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues' record as the Wellington Phoenix's youngest ever player (who in turn broke Ben Waine's previous record by more than five months)
He smashed the record in the end. Physically, he does look like he can hold his own already which is a massive bonus.
Slightly off topic here, but a pressing issue.
Can we bestow upon the lad the nickname 'Pounds'? 👀
Just because of the way a fair few of us use the acronym LBS instead of typing out his full name?
**Not my idea, but I did chuckle at the suggestion. I'm sure he'll step forward and claim credit for it if it actually catches on 🤣**
My first impression was that he was overwhelmed, partly he has an awkward running style not uncommon in a big lad still getting used to his frame.
I think the opposition too got caught out, because the first few times he pressed he seemed to Spider-Man at the ball and released us high up on a couple of dangerous attacks. That was very cool. Did he get a ‘meg in there too or am I misremembering that?
A very promising kid. His journey to becoming a pro footballer is interesting too. I've just been reading up on him. https://www.oceaniafootball.com/luke-brooke-smith-from-bmx-champion-to-football-prodigy/ Born in Whangarei. "The son of a former British BMX champion (Phil)" So his British immigrant parents are likely to have been football fans too. They encouraged him to follow his football dreams along with the BMX. He was one of the world's best at junior level in BMX (second at the Junior BMX World Champs in 2019 and always a top contender in other years). Quite a list of injuries and mishaps in the article above in his Junior BMX World Champ adventures. His British parents must have some African or Caribbean blood? ______________________________________ His football journey in NZ is interesting: Discovered by Ricki Herbert's late father Clive who saw him playing at a junior tournament in Northland (Brooke-Smith was living in Whangarei then) and recommended him to Ricki.
Then, shortly after Clive saw him, Luke moved to Cambridge in Waikato to further his BMX training at the BMX academy there and Ricki H., acting on his father's tip, signed Brooke-Smith to his RH3 junior academy in the Waikato. https://www.cambridgenews.nz/2024/08/phoenix-sign-our-luke/ Then signed by Hamilton Wanderers for this year's Northern League. He made the NZ u-16's, did well at the OFC u-16 qualifiers for next year's FIFAu-17 World Cup. https://rh3footballacademy.co.nz/news/rising-teen-luke-brooke-smith-signs-for-northern-leagues-hamilton-wanderers Lucky for the Nix that he didn't go to Melbourne City or Spain: "Last December, Brooke-Smith spent a week training at men’s A-League club Melbourne City during his school holidays. The invitation to train at the club followed a game between City’s academy side and the RH3 touring party that competed at Victoria’s Shepparton Cup tournament. In January 2024, Brooke-Smith spent a month with Spanish professional club CF Rayo Majadahonda who play in the Primera Federación. The club operate a High-Performance PRO Centre to help young players integrate into a professional football programme, providing access to all the resources necessary to become an elite player." https://wellingtonphoenix.com/news/nix-sign-rising-star/
Unless he was injured, I didn't think he should have been taken off at half time on Saturday. Maybe Chiefy was already looking to defend the 1-0 lead but LBS at least showed a bit of speed and positive attitude when he was on. Unlike the rest of the team in the 2nd half.
Unless he was injured, I didn't think he should have been taken off at half time on Saturday. Maybe Chiefy was already looking to defend the 1-0 lead but LBS at least showed a bit of speed and positive attitude when he was on. Unlike the rest of the team in the 2nd half.
Yeah I thought it was an odd sub, perhaps managing his minutes due to age?
Unless he was injured, I didn't think he should have been taken off at half time on Saturday. Maybe Chiefy was already looking to defend the 1-0 lead but LBS at least showed a bit of speed and positive attitude when he was on. Unlike the rest of the team in the 2nd half.
Probably not ready for more minutes, and I don't think the game was setup for him.
Though imo Corban Piper has thus far been one of the worst players in recent memory I've seen in a Nix shirt. Very tough on him as he's been played all over the shop, but just no quality so far.
Yes, way more an inexperienced Ifill than an Old. Ben Old is way more direct. Ifill is a natural trickster.
Not really arguing the point here but he's a direct compare to Old in the sense that he's a young attacking player who is raw but has clear natural talent and physical attributes that point to real potential for higher levels. Like Old he has shown that immediately but can do with a year or two to mature, as a starting Nix pro, before hopefully moving onto better things. So an Old in that sense.
I get the Ifill comparison on playing skillset/style/signature move sort of comparisons. So both perspectives are valid. But he's an Old from the point of view of not an import, not an ex-Prem, not an older player, but an up and coming Nix youth development pathway potential attacking prodigy. He's what the club is about, in a very different way from Ifill.
Again, both perspectives valid but I vibe with the Old comparison. We're not winning right now but we are still punching out potential young kiwi talent and giving them opportunity. You can buy it or build it. LBS is a build it. I can admire Auckland's play and success. But they're a buy it.
Skillful and good control, like Old, but much stronger, not so reliant on tricks, and has even more talent IMO. Already a potential matchwinner.mjp2
Mainland FC
Yes, way more an inexperienced Ifill than an Old. Ben Old is way more direct. Ifill is a natural trickster.
Not really arguing the point here but he's a direct compare to Old in the sense that he's a young attacking player who is raw but has clear natural talent and physical attributes that point to real potential for higher levels. Like Old he has shown that immediately but can do with a year or two to mature, as a starting Nix pro, before hopefully moving onto better things. So an Old in that sense.
I get the Ifill comparison on playing skillset/style/signature move sort of comparisons. So both perspectives are valid. But he's an Old from the point of view of not an import, not an ex-Prem, not an older player, but an up and coming Nix youth development pathway potential attacking prodigy. He's what the club is about, in a very different way from Ifill.
Again, both perspectives valid but I vibe with the Old comparison. We're not winning right now but we are still punching out potential young kiwi talent and giving them opportunity. You can buy it or build it. LBS is a build it. I can admire Auckland's play and success. But they're a buy it.
Potentially a very big u20 tournament for him and GSR IMO.
Anything that helps the both of them with rapid progression has to be good for the Phoenix. Just have to hope those in charge dont sell the both of them before we get any benefit from them.
Potentially a very big u20 tournament for him and GSR IMO.
Anything that helps the both of them with rapid progression has to be good for the Phoenix. Just have to hope those in charge dont sell the both of them before we get any benefit from them.
likely only to get a decent transfer fee if they are beneficial to the team.
I think captain Surman definitely came back from the 2023 U20 WC a better player. Hughes broke in the Nix first team off the back of that tourney.
You improve by playing against better players, and tough though it is at the time, you learn plenty when being hammered by the best young talent from Argentina, USA or wherever.
Potentially a very big u20 tournament for him and GSR IMO.
Anything that helps the both of them with rapid progression has to be good for the Phoenix. Just have to hope those in charge dont sell the both of them before we get any benefit from them.
likely only to get a decent transfer fee if they are beneficial to the team.
Given the way both have progressed so far not sure why you seem to doubt their ability to learn something that will help them in their future football careers.
The future. Luke Brooke-Smith for New Zealand U20s vs Chile. First of two friendly games against the World Cup hosts later this year. Luke only turns 17 on Sunday so could play again in two years at 19 😳. pic.twitter.com/oec1YoJa5A
