Issac Luke

{{short description|New Zealand international rugby league footballer}}

{{Infobox rugby league biography

|name = Issac Luke

|fullname =

|image = Isaac Luke Warriors.jpg

|image_size =

|position = {{rlp|HK}}

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1987|05|29}}{{Cite web |title=Player Profile - Issac Luke |url=https://nz.sports.yahoo.com/league/player/2049/20/issac-luke/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715043920/https://nz.sports.yahoo.com/league/player/2049/20/issac-luke/ |archive-date=2014-07-15 |access-date=2014-07-05 |website=Yahoo! Sports New Zealand |publisher=Yahoo!}}

|birth_place = Hāwera, New Zealand

|height = {{convert|175|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}

|weight = {{convert|93|kg|stlb|abbr=on}}

|club1 = South Sydney

|year1start = 2007

|year1end = 15

|appearances1 = 188

|tries1 = 36

|goals1 = 135

|fieldgoals1 = 0

|points1 = 414

|club2 = {{nowrap|New Zealand Warriors}}

|year2start = 2016

|year2end = 19

|appearances2 = 83

|tries2 = 14

|goals2 = 69

|fieldgoals2 = 0

|points2 = 194

|club3 = St George Illawarra

|year3start = 2020

|appearances3 = 3

|tries3 = 0

|goals3 = 0

|fieldgoals3 = 0

|points3 = 0

|club4 = Brisbane Broncos

|year4start = 2020

|year4end =

|appearances4 = 12

|tries4 = 0

|goals4 = 1

|fieldgoals4 = 0

|points4 = 2

|teamA = New Zealand

|yearAstart = 2008

|yearAend = 17

|appearancesA = 43

|triesA = 5

|goalsA = 22

|fieldgoalsA = 0

|pointsA = 64

|teamB = Māori All Stars

|yearBstart = 2020

|yearBend = 21

|appearancesB = 2

|triesB = 0

|goalsB = 0

|fieldgoalsB = 0

|pointsB = 0

|new = yes

|source = {{Cite web |title=Isaac Luke - Career Stats & Summary |url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/issac-luke/summary.html |access-date=2018-01-01 |website=Rugby League Project}}

|updated = 6 May 2021

}}

Issac Luke (born 29 May 1987) is a former New Zealand professional rugby league footballer

He previously played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, New Zealand Warriors, St. George Illawarra Dragons, and the Brisbane Broncos in the National Rugby League. Issac Luke was a part of the South Sydney squad that won the 2014 NRL Premiership, however despite being named as starting hooker, was ruled out for the final due to suspension.{{Cite web |date=2014-10-05 |title=Grand Final Late Mail & Team Changes |url=http://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2014/10/05/grand_final_late_mail_team_changes.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924084121/http://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2014/10/05/grand_final_late_mail_team_changes.html |archive-date=2015-09-24 |access-date=2015-11-01 |website=South Sydney Rabbitohs}} Luke is a member of the World Cup-winning New Zealand team that beat Australia in the 2008 Final.

Personal life

Luke was born in Hāwera, New Zealand, on 29 May 1987.

Luke's wife Mickayela is a cousin of fellow Kiwi rugby league international Sonny Bill Williams,{{Cite news |last=Barclay |first=Chris |date=2014-09-28 |title=Night of mixed emotions for Souths' Issac Luke |work=Stuff |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/10553561/Night-of-mixed-emotions-for-Souths-Issac-Luke |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006074300/http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/10553561/Night-of-mixed-emotions-for-Souths-Issac-Luke |archive-date=2014-10-06}} with whom he also played in the juniors at the Bulldogs.{{Cite news |last=Weidler |first=Danny |date=2014-10-04 |title=Russell Crowe a buy-word in Souths lore |work=Sydney Morning Herald |url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/russell-crowe-a-buyword-in-souths-lore-20141004-10qe3p.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004212542/http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/russell-crowe-a-buyword-in-souths-lore-20141004-10qe3p.html |archive-date=2014-10-04}} Luke is a cousin of England international Rangi Chase. He is of Irish and Māori descent.{{Cite web |date=2017-10-09 |title=Issac Luke and Luke Keary's sneaky Ireland Rugby League World Cup play |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/issac-luke-and-luke-kearys-sneaky-ireland-rugby-league-world-cup-play/news-story/d45e99f95a625e2ac6d462bc8cbda66e |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010212233/https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/issac-luke-and-luke-kearys-sneaky-ireland-rugby-league-world-cup-play/news-story/d45e99f95a625e2ac6d462bc8cbda66e |archive-date=2017-10-10 |access-date=2017-10-09 |website=Fox Sports Australia}}

Luke's father, George Luke, died in 2023 after the car in which he was travelling between Rotorua and Hastings via the Kaweka Range was hit by a slip during Cyclone Gabrielle.{{cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/cyclone-gabrielle-rugby-league-star-issac-lukes-father-george-luke-killed-by-slip/S33GPBF3ENE5VKVB4KVMSPL2PY/ |title=Cyclone Gabrielle: Rugby league star Issac Luke's father George Luke killed by slip |date=17 February 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=23 February 2023}}

Playing career

Prior to making his professional debut, Luke played Jersey Flegg Cup for Canterbury-Bankstown alongside fellow New Zealander and future Kiwis teammate Sonny Bill Williams.{{Cite news |last=Walter |first=Brad |date=2013-11-28 |title=Sonny Bill Williams in tears after being named player of year |work=Sydney Morning Herald |url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/sonny-bill-williams-in-tears-after-being-named-player-of-year-20131128-2ybc7.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131128055855/http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/sonny-bill-williams-in-tears-after-being-named-player-of-year-20131128-2ybc7.html |archive-date=2013-11-28}} Luke made his NRL debut for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in round 12 of the 2007 NRL season against the Melbourne Storm at Olympic Park Stadium, coming off the bench. Luke had his first NRL start in round 19 Against the North Queensland Cowboys, playing at hooker. He scored his first NRL try and was awarded the Brut Man of the Match award for his efforts. Luke tasted finals football in his debut year, coming off the bench in South Sydney's 30 – 6 loss to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. He was awarded the John Sattler Rookie of the Year at the South Sydney annual Red and Green Ball and presentation night held at the AJC function centre at Randwick Racecourse Sydney. He also was second only to Israel Folau in the Dally M Rookie of the Year award. His year was capped off by being named in the Train on Squad for the New Zealand national rugby league team.

Luke started the 2008 season well but a broken bone in his hand in the round 3 loss to the Penrith Panthers sidelined him for 4 weeks. He came back in round 7 against the Brisbane Broncos and added some much needed spark to the team but they came up short going down 32 – 18. His return from injury came just in time for him to make his test debut for the Kiwis for the ANZAC day test at the SCG.{{Cite web |date=2008-04-30 |title=Kiwis call up Test surprises |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23623055-23214,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121230150253/http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23623055-23214,00.html |archive-date=2012-12-30 |access-date=2008-04-30 |website=Fox Sports Australia}} He started the game at hooker and had a solid debut. Luke was named at halfback for the round 8 clash against the North Queensland Cowboys to accommodate both himself and fellow hooker George Ndaira in the starting side. During round 13 against The Warriors, Luke was instrumental for Souths, including setting up a great try to put Souths ahead at half time, and was named Man of the Match. In round 14 against the Gold Coast Luke scored his first career double and slotted the match winning penalty for a 24–23 victory.

File:Adam Blair and Issac Luke 2008.jpg performing the Haka for New Zealand.]]

File:Issac Luke DallyM 2012.jpg with Mikayla Watts]]

In August 2008, Luke was named in the New Zealand training squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup,{{Cite news |date=8 August 2008 |title=Kiwis select Sonny Bill |work=Sky Sports |publisher=BSkyB UK |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_3949034,00.html |url-status=dead |access-date=8 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090824100531/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_3949034,00.html |archive-date=2009-08-24}} and in October 2008, he was named in the final 24-man Kiwi squad.{{Cite news |date=2008-10-07 |title=Kiwi Webb forced out of World Cup |work=BBC Sport |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7656238.stm |url-status=live |access-date=2008-10-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011073534/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7656238.stm |archive-date=2008-10-11}}

Luke was considered one of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup tournament's 'Players to Watch' by the NRL Live blog.{{Cite web |date=2008-10-17 |title=World Cup Players to Watch |url=http://www.nrllive.com.au/world-cup-players-to-watch-pool-a/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121231043746/http://www.nrllive.com.au/world-cup-players-to-watch-pool-a/ |archive-date=2012-12-31 |access-date=2008-10-20 |website=NRL Live}} He was then a crucial part of the Kiwi side that lifted the World Cup in 2008, beating Australia 34 – 20 before over 50,000 spectators at Brisbane's Lang Park.{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Andy |date=2008-11-22 |title=New Zealand stun Australia to secure World Cup glory |work=The Guardian |url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/nov/22/new-zealand-rugby-league-world-cup |url-status=live |access-date=2020-06-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820174715/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/nov/22/new-zealand-rugby-league-world-cup |archive-date=2016-08-20}} Also in 2008, he was named in the Taranaki Rugby League Team of the Century.{{Cite news |date=2008-10-14 |title=Dream team of century is named |work=Taranaki Daily News |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/sport/671468/Dream-team-of-century-is-named |url-status=live |access-date=2011-09-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024180209/http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/sport/671468/Dream-team-of-century-is-named |archive-date=2012-10-24}}

Luke made 68 NRL appearances for Souths in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons. In none of those seasons did Souths qualify for the finals series. He represented New Zealand in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 Four Nations tournaments, playing off the substitutes bench for the Kiwis' win of the 2010 edition.{{Cite web |title=Australia 12 lost to New Zealand 16 |url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Four_Nations_2010/Final/Australia-vs-New_Zealand.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216033604/http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Four_Nations_2010/Final/Australia-vs-New_Zealand.html |archive-date=2011-02-16 |access-date=2011-11-30 |website=Rugby League Project}} For the 2010 Anzac Test, Luke was selected to play for New Zealand at hooker in their loss against Australia. Luke's 2011 Four Nations tournament ended in controversy after he was criticised for a series of cynical tackles on opposing players.{{Cite news |last=Ritchie |first=Dean |date=2011-12-01 |title=I need help, says maligned Issac Luke |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/i-need-help-says-maligned-issac-luke/story-e6frexnr-1226210642773?from=public_rss |url-status=live |access-date=2011-11-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403000431/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/i-need-help-says-maligned-issac-luke/news-story/08eb4f5f699339408dd906c74e77e70e?from=public_rss |archive-date=2020-04-03}} Luke admitted that in a match against England, he had attempted to break the leg of Rangi Chase, England's New Zealand-born half-back.{{Cite news |date=2011-11-20 |title=Kiwi Issac Luke admits trying to break leg of England's Rangi Chase |work=BBC Sport |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/15810583.stm |url-status=live |access-date=2011-11-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128042632/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/15810583.stm |archive-date=2011-11-28}}

For the 2013 Anzac Test, Luke was selected to play for New Zealand at hooker in their loss again Australia.

File:Issac Luke 2013.JPG]]

In the 2014 NRL season, Luke made 18 appearances as Souths reached their first grand final in 43 years. Luke missed out on playing in the club's first premiership victory in 43 years as he was suspended from playing in the grand final after being found guilty of using a dangerous tackle on Sydney Roosters player Sonny Bill Williams in the preliminary final.

Luke was initially not allowed by the NRL to appear in the club's team photo for the grand final nor take to the field for the lap of honour but they reversed the decision for Luke on this occasion.{{Cite news |date=2014-09-30 |title=Issac Luke to miss South Sydney's NRL grand final appearance after being suspended by judiciary |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-30/issac-luke-to-miss-south-sydney27s-nrl-grand-final-appearance-/5780472/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140930224504/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-30/issac-luke-to-miss-south-sydney27s-nrl-grand-final-appearance-/5780472/ |archive-date=2014-09-30}} Following the grand final victory, Souths head coach Michael Maguire handed his premiership ring to Luke.{{Cite news |date=2014-10-06 |title=Coach gives Luke premiership ring |work=The New Zealand Herald |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11337745 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006033210/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11337745 |archive-date=2014-10-06}}

In May 2015, Luke signed with the New Zealand Warriors for three seasons, beginning in 2016.{{Cite news |date=2015-05-08 |title=Warriors confirm Issac Luke signing |work=NRL.com |agency=AAP |url=http://www.nrl.com/warriors-confirm-issac-luke-signing/tabid/10874/newsid/86056/default.aspx |url-status=dead |access-date=2015-05-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510231436/http://www.nrl.com/warriors-confirm-issac-luke-signing/tabid/10874/newsid/86056/default.aspx |archive-date=2015-05-10}} He co-captained the New Zealand national rugby league team on their 2015 tour of Great Britain.

On 19 November 2019, it was announced that Luke had signed a one-year deal to join St. George Illawarra for the 2020 NRL season.{{Cite web |last=Clarke |first=George |date=2019-11-19 |title=St George Illawarra Dragons sign hooker Issac Luke to one-year deal |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/dragons/st-george-illawarra-dragons-sign-hooker-issac-luke-to-oneyear-deal/news-story/a62de8fc386e24f18966b760e5099f61/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119203051/https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/dragons/st-george-illawarra-dragons-sign-hooker-issac-luke-to-oneyear-deal/news-story/a62de8fc386e24f18966b760e5099f61 |archive-date=2019-11-19 |website=Fox Sports}} Luke posted a message on his Twitter account saying "St George Dragons On way".{{Cite web |last=Walter |first=Brad |date=2019-11-19 |title=Dragons confirm signing of Issac Luke |url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/11/14/Dragons-confirm-signing-of-Luke/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119055905/https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/11/14/Dragons-confirm-signing-of-Luke/ |archive-date=2019-11-19 |website=NRL.com}}

On 13 June 2020 Luke departed St. George for the Brisbane Broncos. Luke had played just three games with the club, failing to register a win with the team. There were suggestions that Luke left due to being frustrated with game time but Luke later spoke to the media saying "With support from the club and their understanding they were happy to release me to take an opportunity in Brisbane where my family and I were going to live after footy finished. This has nothing to do with what has been going on here and I advise youse all to wake yourselves up. "I'm doing this for my family.{{Cite news |last=Matthey |first=James |date=2020-06-13 |title=NRL: Issac Luke leaves Dragons to join Broncos |work=News.com.au |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-issac-luke-leaves-dragons-to-join-broncos/news-story/c60066b5a4e935c14701afb9c893d9cd/ |url-status=live |access-date=2020-06-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613031346/https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-issac-luke-leaves-dragons-to-join-broncos/news-story/c60066b5a4e935c14701afb9c893d9cd |archive-date=2020-06-13}}

Luke played 12 games for Brisbane in the 2020 NRL season after his mid-season switch from St. George as the Broncos finished with the wooden spoon for the first time in Brisbane's history.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/09/24/brisbane-get-wooden-spoon-as-cowboys-finish-on-a-high/|title=Brisbane get wooden spoon as North Queensland finish on a high|website=www.nrl.com|date=24 September 2020 }}

Luke announced his retirement from the game on 22 September 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/09/22/issac-luke-retires-kiwi-legend-hanging-up-boots/|title=Issac Luke retires: Kiwi legend hanging up boots|website=www.nrl.com|date=22 September 2021 }}

= Highlights =

Junior Club: Hawera Hawks{{Cite web |title=Issac Luke |url=https://www.dragons.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/st-george-illawarra-dragons/issac-luke/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617001025/https://www.dragons.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/st-george-illawarra-dragons/issac-luke/ |archive-date=2020-06-17 |access-date=2020-06-17 |website=St George Illawarra Dragons |language=en}}
Played for the Junior Kiwis
First Grade Debut: Round 12, South Sydney Rabbitohs v Melbourne Storm at Olympic Park Stadium, 2 June 2007
First NRL Try: Round 19, South Sydney Rabbitohs v North Queensland Cowboys at Telstra Stadium, 22 July 2007
John Sattler Rookie of the Year award 2007{{Cite web |date=2017-10-06 |title=Murray Wins John Sattler Rookie of the Year Award |url=https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2017/10/06/murray-wins-john-sattler-rookie-of-the-year-award/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410050301/https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2017/10/06/murray-wins-john-sattler-rookie-of-the-year-award/ |archive-date=2018-04-10 |access-date=2020-06-17 |website=South Sydney Rabbitohs |language=en}}
International Test Debut: New Zealand Kiwis v Australian Kangaroos, 9 May 2008 at the Sydney Cricket Ground
Played in New Zealand side that won the 2008 Rugby League World Cup
Won the 2008 NZRL international rookie of the year award{{Citation needed|date=February 2009}}
George Piggins Medal (Souths' Best and Fairest Award) 2010{{Cite web |date=2016-10-04 |title=George Piggins Medal |url=https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2016/10/04/george-piggins-medal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617003352/https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2016/10/04/george-piggins-medal/ |archive-date=2020-06-17 |access-date=2020-06-17 |website=South Sydney Rabbitohs}}
Played in New Zealand side that won the 2010 Rugby League Four Nations{{Cite web |date=2010-10-04 |title=NZ name team for Four Nations |url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2010/10/05/nz-name-team-for-four-nations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617004051/https://www.nrl.com/news/2010/10/05/nz-name-team-for-four-nations/ |archive-date=2020-06-17 |access-date=2020-06-17 |website=National Rugby League |language=en}}

Post playing

On 6 March 2022, Luke was inducted as a life member of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-07 |title=Three life memberships awarded |url=https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/content/three-life-memberships-awarded-at-2022-member-co-agm |access-date=2025-01-07 |website=Rabbitohs.com.au |language=en}} In 2023, Luke became a part of the Marsden High School Open Rugby League coaching staff.{{Cite web |title=Issac finds his voice with TAFE Queensland |url=https://tafeqld.edu.au/news-and-events/news/2023/issac-finds-his-voice-with-TAFE-Queensland |access-date=2025-01-07 |website=tafe |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Chalk |first=Ethan Lee |date=2023-09-18 |title=Kiwi Test legend to make coaching debut |url=https://www.zerotackle.com/kiwi-test-legend-to-make-coaching-debut-162662/ |access-date=2025-01-07 |website=Zero Tackle |language=en-US}}

Statistics

class="wikitable"

!Year

!Team

!Games

!Tries

!Goals

!Pts

2007

| rowspan="9" |{{leagueicon|South Sydney|size=16}} South Sydney Rabbitohs

|14

|12

2008

|20

|42

|108

2009

|24

|15

|46

2010

|20

|46

|128

2011

|24

|16

2012

|22

|26

2013

|26

|18

2014

|18

|10

2015

|20

|19

|50

2016

| rowspan="4" |{{leagueicon|Auckland|size=16}} New Zealand Warriors

|20

|28

|68

2017

|23

|17

|38

2018

|23

|26

2019

|17

|23

|62

rowspan="2" |2020

|{{leagueicon|St. George|size=16}} St. George Illawarra Dragons

{{leagueicon|Brisbane|size=16}} Brisbane Broncos

|12

|Totals

|286

|50

|205

|610

References

External links

[https://www.warriors.kiwi/teams/telstra-premiership/warriors/issac-luke/ New Zealand Warriors profile]
[http://www.warriors.kiwi/team/profiles/issac_luke.html Warriors profile]
[http://www.nrl.com/telstrapremiership/playerstats/playerprofile/tabid/10898/clubid/14/playerid/576/seasonid/44/default.aspx NRL profile]
{{IMDb name|6118952}}

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Category:1987 births

Category:Living people

category:Brisbane Broncos players

Category:Junior Kiwis players

Category:New Zealand Māori rugby league players

Category:New Zealand national rugby league team captains