News that the veteran hooker was headed to Wollongong raised a few eyebrows this week.

McInnes was superb in a tough 2019 for the Dragons. He swept the club's end-of-season awards, including collecting the Dragons Player of the Year Medal.

To many Red V supporters, the signing of 32-year-old Luke seemed unnecessary.

See more: McInnes puts hand up to be Dragons' next captain

But McInness himself couldn't be happier the club attracted Luke from the New Zealand Warriors.

"'Mary' [coach Paul McGregor] came to me and asked 'what do you think about Issac'? He asked me out of respect, which he didn't have to," the 25-year-old said.

"I said that he's obviously a great player, he's looking for an opportunity and he's a really good person to have around. Issac's very experienced and I think he will suit us very well. I endorsed him 100 per cent. I then talked to Issac and he was keen to come over, move to Wollongong and play at the Dragons.

"He will bring a lot of experience which is very valuable because we have a young squad. He's obviously one of the most skillful hookers out there and he's a great runner of the footy."

McInnes was just 18 years old when he made his NRL debut at South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2014. He was primarily injected from the bench as Luke was the starting hooker.

Five years later, McInnes believes the pair can work again in partnership. He is also happy to adjust his own role if it helps the Dragons.

"Issac was really good for me [at the Rabbitohs]. You're obviously nervous at 18 in the first grade squad," he said.

"I'd been watching him for years but he didn't see me as a threat and I think that's a big thing. When young guys come in, there's two ways you can take that. You can either look at it like 'this young guy wants my spot', or you can help them out. I felt that he took me under his wing but I also pushed him to be a better player because I was always snapping at his ankles.

"Issac's a very good player. We came 15th this season so the more good players can add to the club, the better you'll be. Whatever role he has for the team, and I have for the team, it will be good. We are very different players. I'll be hopeful that I get the start, but I've got to prove myself.

"Our roles will be whatever Mary says it will be. If I have to go to lock, or there's some other role I can do for the team... I'll do that. There's no point getting to play 80 minutes each week but coming 15th again. I'm sure there's room for both of us."

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.