Issac Luke - I Wouldn't Pick Me For Kiwis

Warriors hooker Issac Luke has said if he was Stephen Kearney, he wouldn't pick himself for the Kiwis.

It's a stark admission for a player who has failed to fire since joining the Warriors this season. He has been well short of the player who is regarded as one of the world's best hookers and many have questioned his fitness. He's also been confronted with family issues with a sick new baby.

The Kiwis side to face the Kangaroos in Newcastle next Friday will be named on Sunday evening and Luke has largely been an automatic selection since his debut in 2008. He's since played 36 tests and was co-captain on last year's UK tour when Simon Mannering was absent.

"To be perfectly honest, If I was Stephen Kearney I would probably leave me out of this [test]," the 28-year-old said.

"I'm not happy with my performances. I have been pretty up and down the whole season. It hurts but I would rather him having a comfortable team that he's looking for to take on the Aussies.

"I have had to work really hard for it [getting into the Kiwis] and this year I don't think I have matched the requirements for the Kiwi jersey. If Mooks (Kearney) gives me the opportunity, I will grab it with both hands and obviously do my best."

NZ Herald