Eels in the frame for Issac Luke

Adrian ProszenkoOctober 24, 2010SOUTH SYDNEY superstar Issac Luke is considering knocking back a mammoth offer to remain at the club for the next five years in favour of linking with Parramatta.Luke is contracted to the Rabbitohs for next year and Souths officials are desperate to extend the stay of perhaps their most influential player until the end of 2015.However, sources in New Zealand have told The Sun-Herald that Luke is close to Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney, who was recently appointed to oversee the Eels. While signing a long-term extension with Souths is an option, it's understood Luke could put negotiations with the foundation club on hold with a view to playing under Kearney at club level in 2012.Kearney chose Luke on the interchange bench for last night's Four Nations encounter with England in Wellington, with Wigan's Thomas Leuluai chosen to start at hooker.Kearney replaced Daniel Anderson at Parramatta earlier this month, with Eels officials believing he could tap into the vast pool of league talent from across the Tasman. However, in a recent interview with The Sun-Herald, Kearney said it was important he got the gig because of his achievements with Melbourne and New Zealand rather than his bond with Polynesian players.Asked if he was the NRL's first Polynesian coach, Kearney replied: ''I'm not 100 per cent sure. For me, I'm a coach first and I know for a fact I got the coaching role on my merits.As revealed last weekend, Parramatta is ready to pounce on Johnathan Thurston should North Queensland cut the playmaker. The Eels, desperate to sign a quality halfback for next season, are also continuing discussions with former Manly No.7 Matt Orford, with a release from English club Bradford the biggest sticking point.

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  • add another name to the list
  • I'm hearing Scott porter is a massive chance Of coming to us!!
  • This one is brilliant
  • Get's better everyday. Might just stop logging on for a few weeks until something actually happens.
  • If this one is true then I would actually be pretty happy with it. Issac Luke is a quality player and would look great in the blue and gold... though to be honest, I can't see it happening personally.
  • another day.............another two rumours....
    So over it.
  • Tony that is because most people just like to complain. If we were to sign Issac Luke for season 2012 as well as Quade Cooper then 2012 is going to be a great season. i think 2011 will be a good year and it is only going to get better.
    Luke is a top quality player.
  • Interesting.
    It's rather strange though because at the Bunnies presentation night or whatever it was, when Luke won an award, he actually let slip that he had signed a new deal with the Bunnies or was close to doing so.

    He is a fantastic player though.
  • What about Casey Mcguire , Tom Humble and Anthony Mitchell?
    They are all hookers.
  • All of those are only on short term deals. If we somehow pulled off a coup and signed Luke for 2012, then it's likely Mitchell and Matt Keating would be shown the door.

    I don't reckon I'd say Humble is a hooker...
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