Issac Luke facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Issac Luke

Personal information
Born	(1987-05-29) 29 May 1987 (age 38) Hāwera, New Zealand
Height	175 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Weight	93 kg (14 st 9 lb)
Playing information
Position	Hooker
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 2007–15 South Sydney 188 36 135 0 414 2016–19 New Zealand Warriors 83 14 69 0 194 2020 St George Illawarra 3 0 0 0 0 2020 Brisbane Broncos 12 0 1 0 2 Total 286 50 205 0 610 Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P 2008–17 New Zealand 43 5 22 0 64 2020–21 Māori All Stars 2 0 0 0 0
As of 6 May 2021

Issac Luke (born 29 May 1987) is a former professional rugby league player from New Zealand. He was known for playing as a hooker. Issac played for several teams in the National Rugby League (NRL). These teams include the South Sydney Rabbitohs, New Zealand Warriors, St. George Illawarra Dragons, and the Brisbane Broncos.

Issac was a key part of the South Sydney team that won the 2014 NRL Premiership. He was supposed to start in the final game. However, he could not play due to a suspension. He also helped the New Zealand national team win the 2008 Rugby League World Cup. They beat Australia in the final match.

Personal Life and Background

Issac Luke was born in Hāwera, New Zealand. His birthday is on May 29, 1987.

Issac's wife, Mickayela, is a cousin of another famous rugby league player, Sonny Bill Williams. Issac and Sonny Bill also played together in junior teams. Issac is also a cousin of England international player Rangi Chase. Issac has both Irish and Māori family roots.

Playing Career Highlights

Before becoming a professional player, Issac Luke played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the Jersey Flegg Cup. He played alongside Sonny Bill Williams there.

Early Days with South Sydney

Issac made his first NRL appearance for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2007. This was in Round 12 against the Melbourne Storm. He came into the game from the bench. In Round 19, he started his first NRL game as a hooker. He scored his first NRL try in that game. He was also named the Man of the Match.

In his first year, Issac played in the finals. He was awarded the John Sattler Rookie of the Year award for South Sydney. He was also second for the Dally M Rookie of the Year award. This was a great start to his career.

International Debut and World Cup Win

Issac started the 2008 season well. He had a hand injury but returned to play in Round 7. His return was just in time for his first international game. He made his test debut for the New Zealand Kiwis on ANZAC day at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He played as the starting hooker and had a strong performance.

Issac Luke and Adam Blair performing the Haka for New Zealand.

In August 2008, Issac was chosen for the New Zealand training squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup. Later, he was named in the final 24-man Kiwi squad. He was seen as a "Player to Watch" during the tournament. Issac was a very important part of the Kiwi team that won the World Cup in 2008. They beat Australia 34–20 in front of over 50,000 fans.

Luke at the 2012 Dally M Awards with Mikayla Watts

Continued Success and Premiership Miss

From 2009 to 2011, Issac played 68 NRL games for South Sydney. He also played for New Zealand in the Rugby League Four Nations tournaments. He helped the Kiwis win the 2010 Four Nations.

Luke warming up at the 2013 RLWC

In the 2014 NRL season, Issac played 18 games. South Sydney reached their first grand final in 43 years. Sadly, Issac could not play in the grand final. He was suspended after a tackle in the preliminary final. Even though he couldn't play, the NRL allowed him to be in the team photo. Souths' coach, Michael Maguire, gave his premiership ring to Issac. This showed how important Issac was to the team's victory.

Moving to Other Clubs

In May 2015, Issac signed a three-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors. He started playing for them in 2016. He also co-captained the New Zealand national team during their 2015 tour of Great Britain.

On November 19, 2019, Issac signed a one-year deal with the St. George Illawarra Dragons for the 2020 NRL season. He played only three games for the Dragons.

In June 2020, Issac left St. George to join the Brisbane Broncos. He explained that he made this move for his family. He wanted to live in Brisbane after his rugby career ended. Issac played 12 games for Brisbane in the 2020 NRL season. The Broncos finished last that year.

Issac Luke announced his retirement from rugby league on September 22, 2021.

Career Highlights Summary

• Junior Club: Hawera Hawks
• Played for the Junior Kiwis
• First Grade Debut: Round 12, South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Melbourne Storm at Olympic Park Stadium, June 2, 2007
• First NRL Try: Round 19, South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. North Queensland Cowboys at Telstra Stadium, July 22, 2007
• John Sattler Rookie of the Year award 2007
• International Test Debut: New Zealand Kiwis vs. Australian Kangaroos, May 9, 2008 at the Sydney Cricket Ground
• Played in the New Zealand team that won the 2008 Rugby League World Cup
• Won the 2008 NZRL international rookie of the year award
• George Piggins Medal (Souths' Best and Fairest Award) 2010
• Played in the New Zealand team that won the 2010 Rugby League Four Nations

Post-Playing Career

After retiring, Issac Luke has stayed involved in rugby league. On March 6, 2022, he became a life member of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. In 2023, Issac joined the coaching staff for the Open Rugby League team at Marsden High School.

Career Statistics

Year	Team	Games	Tries	Goals	Pts
2007	South Sydney Rabbitohs	14	2	2	12
2008		20	6	42	108
2009		24	4	15	46
2010		20	9	46	128
2011		24	3	2	16
2012		22	5	3	26
2013		26	4	1	18
2014		18		5	10
2015		20	3	19	50
2016	New Zealand Warriors	20	3	28	68
2017		23	1	17	38
2018		23	6	1	26
2019		17	4	23	62
2020	St. George Illawarra Dragons	3
	Brisbane Broncos	12		1	2
	Totals	286	50	205	610