The Obstruction Rule

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Latest Newcastle Knights News

Luke now expected to remain with Warriors

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Watching Mason Lino walk out the door could be a blessing in disguise for the Warriors.

Though Lino is among the league’s best back-up halves, he wouldn’t crack the Warriors’ top 17. However, his exit may have paved the way for the Warriors to retain hooker Issac Luke – arguably their best player in 2018 (according to the Dally M’s, that was actually Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, but whatever) – for a song.

According to nrl.com, the Warriors are now expected to retain Luke, after the Knights withdrew their offer.

With little remaining competition for his signature, as well as a slight bump in their available funds following the loss of Lino, it all appears to have fallen into place for New Zealand to keep their star hooker for an absolute steal.

Luke has played 254 first grade games for the Warriors and Rabbitohs, and 42 Tests for New Zealand.

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Knights go cold on Luke, Ross

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The Knights’ roster remains in a period of transition, and as a result, their interest in different players is likely to remain fluid.

Two players apparently no longer of interest to Newcastle are Warriors hooker Issac Luke and Knights winger White Lightning, according to WWOS reporter The Mole.

In the case of Luke, the Knights had been in negotiations with the Kiwi Test star, and were believed to be favourites for his signature. However, with Sharks hooker James Segeyaro believed to be available, the report suggests that he’s now their primary target.

The case of Lightning is a bit more complicated, with the popular winger still under contract for another two seasons.

However, with the Knights having bolstered their backline for next year with the additions of Jesse Ramien and Edrick Lee, Lightning is now surplus to requirements, and it’s believed that the club have notified NRL and Super League clubs that he’s for sale.

Luke has played 254 first grade games for the Warriors and Rabbitohs, and 42 Tests for New Zealand.

Lightning has played 60 first grade games for the Knights.

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Knights sign Lino

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As expected, the Knights have today announced the signing of Warriors halfback Mason Lino on a two-year deal, that will see him head to Newcastle until the end of 2020.

Lino had served as the primary back-up to both Shaun Johnson and Blake Green in Auckland, but impressed when called into first grade.

Lino has played 17 first grade games for the Warriors, and 2 Tests for Samoa.

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Knights tipped to sign Luke

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Hooker Issac Luke has been arguably the Warriors’ best player in 2018, but unfortunately, that doesn’t mean he’s certain to remain in Auckland.

According to the New Zealand Herald, the Warriors have had an offer on the table for Luke for months, however the Kiwi star has chosen to test his value on the open market, with the Knights now considered the favourites for his signature.

Signing Luke would complete the Knights’ collection of recent Kiwi hookers, with club already having Danny Levi and Slade Griffin on their books. Presumably the signing of Luke would bring the future of at least one of that pair into question.

Luke has played 254 first grade games for the Warriors and Rabbitohs, and 42 Tests for New Zealand.

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Frawley close to Knights deal

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Apparently unwanted at Canterbury, Bulldogs halfback Matt Frawley needed to find a new home.

That new home looks like being at Newcastle, with nrl.com reporting that Frawley is closing in on a deal to join the Knights.

At Newcastle, he’ll likely settle in as the back-up to star half Mitchell Pearce, unless he can secure a gig on the interchange bench.

Still, Frawley is just 23 years of age, and has a wealth of attacking talent. The opportunity to develop behind an experienced starter such as Pearce may be good for Frawley, while giving the Knights one of the best back-ups in the league.

Frawley has played 31 first grade games for the Bulldogs.

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