League: I wouldn't pick me for the Kiwis - Luke

Isaac Luke
Isaac Luke
Warriors hooker Issac Luke has said if he was Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney, he would not pick himself for the upcoming transtasman test against the Kangaroos.

The stark admission comes in the wake of the Warriors' humiliating 42-0 Anzac Day defeat to Melbourne, with Luke admitting his poor form is below the standards expected after joining the club as one of their marquee offseason signings.

The former South Sydney premiership winner has struggled with knee and calf injuries through the early rounds, and off the field, complications with the health of his newborn baby last month also proved a distraction.

He came in for criticism for a lack of running and the Warriors' attack looked disjointed as he developed combinations with the forwards and halfback Shaun Johnson. There were signs of improvement in wins over the Roosters and Bulldogs but Luke has largely failed to stamp his mark in a side lacking leadership and direction.

The Kiwis side to face the Kangaroos in Newcastle will be named on Sunday. Luke has largely been an automatic selection since his 2008 debut. He's since played 36 tests and was co-captain on last year's UK tour when Simon Mannering was absent.

"To be perfectly honest, if I was Stephen Kearney I would probably leave me out of this [test]," the 28-year-old said. "I'm not happy with my performances. I have been pretty up and down the whole season. It hurts but I would rather him having a comfortable team that he's looking for to take on the Aussies.

"I have had to work really hard for it [getting into the Kiwis] and this year I don't think I have matched the requirements for the Kiwi jersey. If Mooks (Kearney) gives me the opportunity, I will grab it with both hands and obviously do my best."

Luke's honest appraisal follows a warning from Kearney last week that he was no certainty for Kiwis selection.

Johnson and Parramatta five-eighth Kieran Foran were also put on notice, with Kearney saying the depth of quality players available provided plenty of options at hooker and in the halves.

In terms of who could fill the No 9 jersey in place of Luke, versatile Warriors teammate Thomas Leuluai is one candidate who also offers cover at lock and through the halves.

Lewis Brown is another option, with the Manly utility a renowned Mr Fix It who has served Kearney well off the bench in the past and is capable of slotting in at dummy half, the back row or out in the centres.

The potential bolter remains Brisbane livewire Kodi Nikorima, who has been promoted to the starting line-up for Sunday's clash against Cronulla with regular hooker Andrew McCullough out with a hamstring injury.

The Warriors must-win match against the Dragons at Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday presents a final opportunity for Luke, Johnson and other Kiwis hopefuls to redeem themselves.

But another poor display could force Kearney's hand and a demotion at club level could also follow with Warriors coach Andrew McFadden fast running short on patience.

- by David Skipwith

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