There’s not too many dads in the country that can say their sons have captained the Kiwis, but for George Luke, he’s happy he can call himself one of those “lucky few” today.
His son, Isaac Luke, alongside Brisbane Broncos enforcer, Adam Blair have been named as co-captains for the Kiwis four-test tour of England next month, and George, who still stays in Isaac’s native Hāwera, says that “getting this captaincy is the pinnacle” of his sons career.
The pair will share the role in the absence of usual skipper Simon Mannering, who has been stood down from selection as he continues to recover from a gastric illness that has plagued him for much of the Warriors NRL season.
So Luke, of Ngāruahine, and Blair, of Te Rarawa, Ngāti Hine, and Te Aupōuri descent get a shot at leading the national side for the very first time.
Speaking exclusively today to Te Kāea, George Luke says about his son, “he’s always been such a talented boy, and I know it’s an honour for him to represent New Zealand – but this is another level up”
Luke, who has played 33 tests in the Kiwis jumper, two more then his co-captain, Blair is no stranger to leading teams to victory.
He was given the reigns of the South Sydney Rabbitohs successful sojourn to the Auckland NRL Nines this year, which they walked away with top honours.
“Basically he’s a kid who has given his everything in everything he does. That’s just him”, says the proud father.
Isaac Luke is currently in closed training camp with the Kiwis in Sydney, however, is expected to be in the country, sometime this week.