Luke experienced criticism from all angles earlier this month when he announced on Twitter he was joining "St George" and he said he's hoping to win back Dragons fans with a series of impressive performances once the season kicks off.

"These old legs can't go forever," Luke said. "I really have to maintain everything this season and make sure I'm ticking all the right boxes for the coaching staff.

"My role when I first started in first grade was to come on later in the first half, start the second half, come off for a little bit and finish the game. Whatever Mary's got planned for me, I'm happy with."

The 32-year-old's arrival comes as he enters the twilight of his career, with Luke set to play a backup role to former South Sydney teammate, and likely Dragons captain, Cameron McInnes.

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While the signing has been questioned, with McInnes clearly the team's no.1 hooker, Luke said it was his former teammate who played a key role in his recruitment.

"Cam was a big attraction, and the forward pack, having this kind of forward pack to play with. Cam was a big plus and so was the coach, Mary.

"We stayed in touch since the Rabbitohs. Once we got hold of each other's number we messaged every now and then, I see how he is.

"Even last year he asked about where I was going to play and said hopefully we could play together again. I said it would be cool and now here I am."

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