Luke debacle an unnecessary distraction

The Issac Luke debacle should never have become the distraction it has. It became an issue the moment the NRL decided to cut him some slack.

I wasn’t surprised he was suspended for his illegal tackle on Sonny Bill Williams in last weekend’s preliminary final. He deserved his time out which unfortunately also affects his involvement with the Kiwis in the Four Nations tournament.

The NRL has the right to ban a suspended player from other aspects of the game such as the warm-up or sitting on the sideline.

The suspended player’s presence is supposed to be limited to the

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changing room and grandstand during the game.

It is similar to a player who has been sent off. He must leave the field and isn’t allowed on the reserves’ bench. This is standard for any player and is something with which nobody has an issue.

Why the debate has become contentious is because the NRL granted dispensation to Souths to allow Luke on to the field after the game.

There is a proviso: the NRL have stipulated that if the Rabbitohs win, he cannot collect a medal or be part of the trophy presentation.

This is where the NRL have tripped up. If they want an assurance Luke will not take part in the presentation ceremony, then don’t allow him on the field at all.

How difficult will it be, if Souths win, for Luke not to be jubilant and want to be with his team-mates?

It’s only natural he will want to share the moment with them. If Luke is allowed on the field, he should be entitled to share the occasion with everyone else.

It’s like taking an alcoholic to the pub, buying him a beer and then telling him he can’t drink it.

If Souths win their first title for 43 years, Luke will likely struggle to control his emotions and not be swept up in the excitement.

Winning the big one is what the whole season is about. Training, playing and sacrificing along with his team-mates from pre- season to grand final is a long, arduous road. To keep him at arm’s length during the celebrations is ridiculous. Either let him take part in the trophy presentation, or keep him in the stands.

Good luck to the security guard who’s supposed to keep Luke away from the celebrations. How would that guy feel if called on to stop Luke and how would he and the incident be viewed by the public?

Then again, if the Doggies win, this will all go away.

Isaac Luke