The New Zealand Warriors have confirmed they have signed South Sydney hooker Issac Luke for the 2016 NRL season.
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Luke will join the Warriors on a three-year deal after spending eight seasons at the Rabbitohs.
The 27-year-old has been granted an early release from the final two years of his contract at South Sydney, citing family reasons for his return back to his native New Zealand.
“I’ve been away from home for a long time now and I really miss it,” Luke said in a Warriors statement.
“I’ve loved playing for the Rabbitohs. They’ve done so much for me but I wanted to go back to New Zealand at some stage and I’m grateful they’ve allowed me to go.
“Going home to play for the Warriors has always been something I wanted to do. I know so many of the boys there and I also like what’s happening at the club since Jim has taken over.”
Warriors coach Andrew McFadden said Luke’s signing will be a massive boost to his side next season.
“His arrival at the club will provide a massive lift to our side,” he said.
“With the game getting faster and the prospect of the number of interchanges being reduced, 80-minute hookers have become a real asset. Issac is an exceptional dummy half and he underlined that for the Kiwis in the Anzac Test against the Kangaroos. He was outstanding.
“It’s hugely exciting for us knowing Issac and Roger will on board next year.”
Luke’s signing is one of the most significant in the club’s history, and the Auckland-based club have already locked-in Sydney Roosters fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck on a three-year deal beginning next season.
The Kiwi joined the Rabbitohs from the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2007 and has since played 176 games for the club.
Luke was part of South Sydney’s 2014 premiership-winning side, but missed the grand final due to suspension.
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