NRL: Issac Luke to start for NZ Warriors against Melbourne Storm

  • 04/06/2019

Injury to Warriors hooker Nate Roache has given Issac Luke another chance to stake his claim as the club's premier number nine.

Luke's been out of favour recently, with coach Stephen Kearney preferring Roache and Karl Lawton instead.

But with Roache struggling to overcome a back injury suffered three weeks ago, the NRL veteran's been named to start Saturday's match against the Melbourne Storm at Mt Smart Stadium.

"I'm trying to force my way back in and keep myself there," Luke said following Tuesday's training. 

NRL: Issac Luke to start for NZ Warriors against Melbourne Storm

"I got a bit more time two weeks ago, so I was really happy with that. I've just got to keep my head down and keep going."

In other changes, prop Agnatius Paasi will return to the starting line-up after missing the loss to Brisbane due to suspension.

Meanwhile, Ligi Sao has fallen foul of the judiciary, picking up a one-game ban for a high tackle during an otherwise impressive outing in the NSW Cup on Saturday.

Chris Satae comes on to the interchange as Sao's replacement, with Bunty Afoa switching to his regular role as an impact substitute.

Adam Blair moves back into the number 13 jersey, pushing Lachlan Burr to the bench.

The 12th-placed Warriors face a tall order against the NRL-leading Storm. They pushed Melbourne to the limit in their annual Anzac Day fixture, only to be denied by a highly contentious penalty with victory agonisingly within reach. 

Last year's Grand Finalists have won their past seven contests against the Warriors, and are currently amid a three-game unbeaten streak.

Warriors: 1-Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), 2-David Fusitu'a, 3-Peta Hiku, 4-Patrick Herbert, 5-Ken Maumalo, 6-Kodi Nikorima, 7-Blake Green, 8-Agnatius Paasi, 9-Issac Luke, 10-Leeson Ah Mau, 11-Isaiah Papali'i, 12-Tohu Harris, 13-Adam Blair

Interchange: 14-Lachlan Burr, 15-Bunty Afoa, 16-Chris Satae, 17-Karl Lawton, 18-Gerard Beale, 20-Leivaha Pulu, 21-Jackson Frei, 21-Chanel Harris-Tevita

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