OPINION: The Newcastle Knights are circling the Warriors roster again, but a quick heads-up to Issac Luke - don't do it.
Of course, it would be great if he stays at Mt Smart. Luke's 2018 form would be sorely missed by the Warriors in 2019, even with the promising Nathaniel Roache coming back from injury.
It's easy to understand the appeal - a longer deal, probably more money, a club with great history and a talented young roster.
But the simple fact of the matter is the move from the Warriors to the Knights is a career killer. Many have tried and none have made it work.
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Up-and-coming Siuatonga Likiliki was a beast at under-20 level, and looked a certainty to have a long and damaging career.
But his choice to head to the Hunter in 2011 led to arguably the biggest waste of talent from that successful Junior Warriors era. An inexplicable two-game NRL stint - that's it.
Carlos Tuimavave was frustrated he wasn't getting the chance to stand out with the Warriors, so the talented half took the red-and-blue option and watched his NRL career go from promising to oblivion, quickly shifting to the English Super League.
OK, so Issac Luke's far more established than those guys. Well, so were props Evarn Tuimavave and Jacob Lillyman, when they linked with the Novacastrians.
Tuimavave lasted a few seasons, but big Jake went from a cornerstone of the Warriors pack for years to finishing his distinguished career out of first grade. He deserved better, would the same fate await Luke on a two year deal?
Throw in other Junior Warriors who had big wraps like Toko Likiliki, David Bhana and Constanine Mika… and you're getting a pretty damning list.
Not to mention he'd be walking into an already stacked roster in his preferred position. Luke would find himself competing with young Kiwis Danny Levi and Slade Griffin, who already fill the hooker ranks (Griffin will miss the first part of the season with injury though).
That doesn't even take into account a desire to finish on top - Luke has to decide which offer in front of him (the Eels are reportedly in the mix as well) will give him the best chance of playing on Grand Final day.
At this stage of his career - the two-year option for more money makes sense, but a plea to Issac Luke…
Learn from history - any club but the Knights!
Sam Ackerman is Newshub head of sport
