Warriors look to secure Luke
Hooker set to receive a contract upgrade
The Warriors are working to prevent hooker Issac Luke being lured from the Auckland NRL club. Reports out of Sydney last week suggested the Warriors were in danger of losing Luke before the start of the season, with Parramatta ready to pounce with a two-year deal worth $700,000.
The 31-year-old former Kiwis international re-signed with the Warriors on a cut-price one-year deal last October but negotiated a clause that would allow him to leave before June 30 if he received a significant offer from another club.
However, Luke yesterday told the Warriors he had not yet received any offers and reassured coach Stephen Kearney and chief executive Cameron George he remains committed for 2019.
The Herald understands the club will meet Luke’s agent and look to rework his contract to give him more money and have the get-out clause removed.
“I’m pretty confident we can get that result,” said Kearney.
“I’ve spoken to Bully [Luke]. Obviously his family have been settled here for three years now, so we’ll see what transpires in the next 24 hours, but I’m pretty confident we’ll get that sorted.”
Luke recommitted to the Warriors last year after failing to attract much interest from rival clubs despite enjoying his best season since arriving from South Sydney in 2016.
Newcastle coach Nathan Brown was keen to lure him across the Tasman but the Knights withdrew their offer after learning he required a shoulder reconstruction and was no certainty to be fit for the opening rounds.
The Warriors refused to throw big dollars at Luke and resisted offering a long-term deal after he underperformed during his first two seasons in Auckland.
The move left them vulnerable to losing Luke but the 254-game veteran this week underlined his intent to honour his contract and desire to remain in New Zealand.
“Bully stuck his head into my office [on Monday],” said George.
“He told me he’s preparing well to play footy here and what he’s reading in the papers is what he’s reading. He hasn’t had any discussions around another offer.
“I respect him for that. He’s obviously been hearing a lot of noise, so he just came and had a chat with me to clear the air.”
Given Luke’s openness and honesty, the Warriors are optimistic they will resolve the matter in a manner satisfactory to both parties.
Luke is nearing full fitness but is still racing the clock to be cleared to play in the club’s season opener against the Bulldogs at
Mt Smart Stadium on
March 16.
Warriors back-up hooker Nathaniel Roache made an impressive comeback in last Friday’s 12-6 trial victory over the Melbourne Storm at Geelong but Kearney will be relieved to have both players available for the upcoming campaign.
There is always the possibility Luke could earn another contract extension if he can replicate last year’s form and dispel any concerns over his shoulder and long-term health.