He may have inadvertently inflamed some joint venture tensions, but veteran hooker Issac Luke took to social media on Sunday to declare he would play for the Dragons next year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"St George Dragons. On way" he wrote on Twitter.
No mention of Illawarra, Issac?
You'll spend enough time in Wollongong soon enough.
Luke will provide valuable dummy-half back-up for Cameron McInnes, who was a standout in a disastrous season for St George Illawarra this year.
It also provides under-fire coach Paul McGregor some more tactical flexibility to have Luke on the bench and even push McInnes into the back-row at stages for next year's campaign.
It also puts an end to the argument Ben Hunt should spend time at hooker for the Dragons, after successful stints there at representative level.
With Hunt and Corey Norman expected to combine in the half, following Gareth Widdop's return to England, the doubt lingers about the starting fullback next year, with Zac Lomax the leading contender and Matt Dufty still at the club.
The Dragons won just eight games last year, finishing second last on the NRL ladder.
Having spent the last four years at the Warriors, Luke has the experience of 271 NRL games, as well as 43 for New Zealand.
Luke was memorably suspended for South Sydney breakthrough premiership win in 2014, found guilty of a dangerous throw on Sonny Bill Williams during the preliminary final against the Roosters.
While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3 a week. Terms and conditions apply.
Subscribe to our newsletters
Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
