Luke gives credit to Warriors’ fitness guru

AUCKLAND: Warriors hooker Issac Luke has put his 2018 NRL rejuvenation down to the ‘‘high expectations’’ of club fitness guru Alex Corvo.

Luke has endured a tough two years since joining the Warriors in 2016, culminating in his omission from the Kiwis’ 2017 World Cup squad.

But he has appeared fit and firing in the first two games of the NRL season, helping his side to comprehensive wins over the Rabbitohs and Titans.

The 30yearold Luke said he had worked hard in preseason under the watchful eye of Corvo, brought in from Brisbane to whip the Warriors into shape.

‘‘All the boys are looking really good — probably owe that one to Alex Corvo. I’ts been a pretty tough preseason,’’ Luke told reporters.

‘‘Alex, he’s not grouchy or angry but he has high expectations.

‘‘I think he’s got the best out of everyone, not just me — it’s sort of a collective effort but we all feel really good out there, we’re all pulling up really good.’’

Head coach Stephen Kearney said Luke’s World Cup snub had resulted in him hitting ‘‘rock bottom’’ and then begin clawing his way back up.

The Kiwis were ultimately eliminated in the Cup quarterfinals.

Luke, for his part, said he was still working towards an 80minute performance. Kearney has opted for a hooker on the bench in both this season’s games to date.

That may not come in today’s clash against Canberra, in the Australian capital, where Jazz Tevaga replaces Sam Cook on the Warriors’ bench. — NZN