Issac Luke reveals the Denver Test could be the last time he represents New Zealand
ISSAC Luke has risen from the ashes after missing selection for last year’s World Cup but it seems his trip to Denver with New Zealand could be his last on the representative front.
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AFTER fighting his way back to the top, Issac Luke has revealed the Denver Test could be the last time he represents New Zealand.
The 40 Test veteran has risen from the ashes after missing selection for last year’s World Cup but revealed he was no certainty to travel with the Kiwis on their end of season tour to England and France.
“We’re expecting another baby, so I might have to let the young fellas take over,” Luke said at New Zealand’s captains run at Mile High Stadium.
“I’m just trying to get as many Tests as I can. My footy put me (back) here in this jersey.
“I’m just happy to be part of the team. It was a bit unfortunate last year but I’m just happy to be here at a special stadium. It’s pretty cool.”
Kiwis about to start their captain's run pic.twitter.com/07RVh2bOSK
— Nick Campton (@campo37) June 22, 2018
Luke is one of just seven New Zealanders to accrue 40 caps or more and if he were to hang up the representative boots it would leave the Kiwis with a serious dearth of experience.
Fellow stalwarts Ben Matulino and Simon Mannering have also called time on their Test careers, leaving the new generation to carry the black and white jersey forward.
With seven debutants named for the clash with England, the new era is well and truly underway for New Zealand.
Their captain’s run at the home of the NFL’s Denver Broncos was a sharp and controlled affair – with a short preparation and so many new faces, every session is vital for coach Michael Maguire.
Maguire has declined to name a captain for the match – he’s repeatedly stated he wants leaders, not captains, and has put the onus on all senior players to show the rookies the ropes.
Luke, along with the suspended Adam Blair and the absent Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, would be a prime candidate for the captaincy if he stays on. The two have a strong relationship from Maguire’s time with South Sydney and Maguire said he always knew Luke had the ability to lead, even if others couldn’t see it.
Kiwis about to start their captain's run, here's a LIVE UPDATE from ya boy pic.twitter.com/Olhvvrh0W0
— Nick Campton (@campo37) June 22, 2018
“He probably didn’t show that to everyone else around the place but he was a leader in his own right,” Maguire said.
England’s captain’s run was far more relaxed, but both sides looked sharp ahead of Sunday’s (AEST) clash.
Big Casey Kreiter, Broncos long snapper, out here enjoying the RUGBY LEAGUE ACTION pic.twitter.com/O4thfBdBNB
— Nick Campton (@campo37) June 22, 2018
Gareth Widdop and Stefan Ratchford took advantage of the thin mountain hair by landing shots at goal from 60 metres out without much trouble. Widdop’s radar finally failed when he took a crack from 63 metres.
Spotting rugby league goalposts on an NFL field was a surreal yet exciting sight, and Denver Broncos long snapper Casey Kreiter was on hand to watch the sides go through their paces.
“I think it’s an awesome sport,” Kreiter said.
“I’ve always really wanted to get involved in it. I think there are a lot of similarities to American football.
Kiwis getting through a bit of ball work now. Lot of talk out there. pic.twitter.com/KOoKBFQZbS
— Nick Campton (@campo37) June 22, 2018
“I couldn’t imagine running for 80 minutes straight.”
Several of Kreiter’s Broncos teammates are expected to attend the match, but don’t expect the Iowa product to pick up the Steeden any time soon.
“We watch hit clips, big collisions that get guys juiced up, and a lot of them are rugby and Australian football clips of these guys without pads on running into each other at high speeds,” Kreiter said.
“Being from a sport where I wear pads and get hit at high speeds, I wouldn’t want to get hit without pads.”