NRL: Newcastle Knights and Parramatta Eels eyeing off-contract New Zealand Warriors hooker Issac Luke

Both Newcastle and Parramatta are chasing off-contract hooker Issac Luke but the Warriors have put a halt to player contract negotiations during their NRL finals run.The Warriors want to retain Luke and the Kiwi international also wants to remain in Auckland, but the Knights and Eels have expressed interest in luring him across the Tasman for next season.The Eels are keen on signing Luke to help them in their plans to rebuild after finishing with the wooden spoon following Saturday's final round 44-10 walloping at the hands of the Roosters.Newcastle are also eying Luke as a potential signing as they consider options to replace Slade Griffin who suffered his fourth season-ending knee injury in July. The Knights also have young Kiwi Danny Levi on their books but need to bolster their No 9 stocks, while they are also in talks to re-sign other members of their squad.ADVERTISEMENTAdvertise with NZME.Versatile Warriors bench forward Jazz Tevaga is another free agent currently weighing up approaches from rival clubs, but like Luke hopes to extend his time in Auckland.But with the Warriors preparing for Saturday's do-or-die elimination final against Penrith at ANZ Stadium, the club has put all talks on hold to limit potential distractions ahead of their first playoff appearance in seven years."There's been some negotiations going on with a few guys and younger blokes as well but we've just put everybody on hold just while we're in the playoffs," said Warriors general manager of football Brian Smith."Obviously we don't want anyone distracted so we're not going anywhere near player managers at the moment. When we're done, it's not that far off one way or the other, it's only going to be a month even if we get all the way through. So we're just going to do it that way this time and they're all cool with that."Luke's manager Bruce Sharrock expects clubs will ramp up their recruitment efforts in the coming weeks."There will be a domino effect occurring at some point in the not too distant future which will see a number of players moving clubs," said Sharrock.Related articles:SPORTKiwis to play Tonga in NZ, Denver test dead and buried5 Sep, 2018 10:00am4 minutes to readSPORTWarriors at full strength for playoff4 Sep, 2018 4:48pm3 minutes to readSPORTWhy loud music is being played while the Warriors train4 Sep, 2018 12:15pmQuick ReadSPORTStunned Aussie pundits pile in behind Warriors4 Sep, 2018 9:13am3 minutes to read"There's going to be movement and clearly clubs are keeping whatever war chest they have available for whatever may or may not come on the market."Until that starts it's very hard to complete anything."

"Luca has been named in the cup team. He was injured, unsure for how long. Assume they want him to get some kms in his legs and he will get more time playing cup trail this week."

1. Isaiah Iongi2. Bailey Simmonson3. Will Pensini4. Sean Russell5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Jonah Pezet7. Mitchell Moses (c)8. J’maine Hopgood9. Ryley Smith10. Junior Paulo11. Jack Williams12. Kitione Kautoga13. Jack De Belin Interchange:14. Dylan…

Replies

the eggman September 5, 2018 at 7:10pm

If he wants to stay and they want to keep him then he ain't going nowhere.
Wile E. Coyote September 5, 2018 at 7:22pm

Get Ennis to coach Mahoney and spend the cap space on big agggressive middle forwards to protect our rookies
Tin Tim September 5, 2018 at 9:10pm

I've always said we need him. Very smart player, dangerous.
Mathew Clarke September 5, 2018 at 9:18pm

Was great at Souths in his younger days but has been fairly inconsistent since. Still great on his day though and can win games. His age and inconsistency isn't worth big $$$ but for the right price for sure.
French international September 5, 2018 at 9:21pm

All Braun no brains
playthedoors September 5, 2018 at 9:30pm

IMO we should seriously consider Jazz Tevaga.
I've watched him play this year - he is very much like Victor Radley.
Strong runner.
Good offload.
Not sure of his dummy half prowess.
Nitram September 5, 2018 at 9:38pm

As long as he stays aways from north Parra maccas. But nah seriously nope from me.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER September 6, 2018 at 3:59am

I agree with Wile