Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire must use thousands of words a week but the two he offered to halfback Luke Brooks proved the difference between success and failure.

“Run more” was the simple advice he shared with Brooks after the Tigers’ golden-point loss to Penrith last week.

Brooks listened, then acted to lead his team to a 22-16 win against Brisbane on Thursday night that lifted the side to three victories from its first five games.

“He showed me what my first two weeks’ running metres were, how high they were, and then compared to last week,” Brooks said.

“I came into the Broncos game really wanting to take the line on.”

At 180cm and 88kg, there’s not much of Brooks but when he takes off he can find space.

He opened the Broncos up in the first half and made 10 runs for the game.

To put that in perspective, Brisbane halves Kodi Nikorima and Anthony Milford combined for 11 runs between them.

“When Luke runs, that’s when he’s right on his game,” Maguire said,

“When he’s running, he’s a real threat.”

Brooks and halves partner Josh Reynolds are developing a combination that would be the envy of rival clubs.

Their organisation and kicking options are astute, they’re energetic and when they run they challenge defences.

Helped by the experience and smarts of hooker Robbie Farah, and with Benji Marshall to return from a hamstring injury, the Tigers are blessed with playmaking options.

“I’ve got a good mix of boys there,” Maguire said.

“We’ve changed our style and our expectations of the halves, and they’re adapting really well.

“I’ve walked into a team who look after each other.”