Career-worst stats reveal Issac Luke is running on empty for Warriors

IT’S one of the big mysteries of the season so far: what has happened to Issac Luke’s running game? Greg Alexander has no doubt why he’s struggling.

Warriors Issac Luke during the round 1 NRL game between the Wests Tigers and the New Zealland Warriors at Campletown Stadium.Picture Gregg Porteous

IT’S one of the big mysteries of the season so far: what the hell has happened to Issac Luke’s running game at the Warriors?

When Luke left South Sydney many predicted the Bunnies would struggle without his dynamic dummy half charges.

But on the contrary, Luke looks to be the one who has suffered most — and a lack of “tough love” looks to be the cause.

While Souths coach Michael Maguire has copped plenty of criticism for working his players too hard, it seems a lack of fitness is now hampering Luke’s impact.

Fox Sports commentator Greg Alexander has called both of the Warriors games this year — and he has no doubt Luke just doesn’t look to be the same player physically.

“Just looking at him, he doesn’t look fit to me,” ­Alexander said.

“He looks heavy and he looks sluggish. You can tell by looking at blokes whether they are fit or not and he just doesn’t look fit.”

Luke’s career-worst statistics seem to back that theory up. Fox Sports Stats show that last week Luke made just three runs for 11 metres, and the week before it was three runs for 25 metres.

Issac Luke’s running game has stalled at the Warriors. Picture: Gregg Porteous

In comparison last year Luke was averaging 8.5 runs for 82 metres, and his career average stands at 9.7 runs for 95 metres.

Incredibly, in 190 career games Luke has only ever been limited to three runs in a match on four occasions — and two of those performances have been for the Warriors this year.

Combine Luke’s dismal start with Shaun Johnson’s lack of impact in the No. 6 jumper, and no wonder the Warriors are winless after two rounds heading into Sunday’s clash with Melbourne.

Like Luke, Johnson’s stats are way down, with just one run for six metres against­­­ ­Brisbane last week.

In comparison, 33-year-old halfback Jeff Robson had nine runs for 76 metres.

“You don’t always like to make it about Johnson. Because he is so brilliant the expectations are that he needs to produce,” Alexander said.

Issac Luke had just three runs for 11 metres last week.

“But Jeff Robson ran nine times (against the Broncos), he tried his arm off.

“But in the second half the game was in the balance and Johnson was just happy to drift across the field and pick up runners.

“Not once did I see him get himself through the defensive line. If your most gifted player isn’t doing that, well, the pressure that puts on the rest of the playmakers is enormous.

“And Issac Luke hasn’t been up to it. Their attack should revolve around (Luke).

“The hooker is such a big part of your go-forward.

Shaun Johnson’s impact has also been down for the Warriors. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“You can have your front rowers bend the line but if off the back of that your hooker isn’t really posing a threat and Johnson is not taking any advantage of it either, well, the roll doesn’t continue.

“Luke has been great at identifying that.

“When he has the defence on the back foot, that is his bread and butter.

“He has been a non-event so far.

“I am sure Andrew McFadden has pointed that out to him.

“ You’d want to hope so.”

Originally published as Career-worst stats reveal Issac Luke is running on empty for Warriors