NRL relent on Luke stance for grand final
By Ian McCullough
AAP
10:52am Thu 02nd October, 2014
NRL head of football Todd Greenberg has confirmed suspended hooker Issac Luke will be able to join in with any celebrations by his South Sydney teammates should they win Sunday's grand final against Canterbury, but won't be part of the trophy presentation ceremony.
Luke was initially to be banned from holding up the trophy or being on the field post-match at ANZ Stadium following his suspension for a lifting tackle on Sydney Roosters back-rower Sonny Bill Williams.
NRL rules state suspended players cannot enter the field of play before or after the match.
However, the NRL have relented and will permit the New Zealand Test star to appear in the official team photo and lap of honour should his side win their first premiership in 43 years.
"We've applied some discretion and the rules are very specific about what suspended players can and can't do," Greenberg said on Thursday.
"But this is a grand final and he has made phenomenal contribution to their club. He'll be in the lap of honour or the commiserations, depending on how it falls, I think that's appropriate.
"There are two stages, one for the presentation and one of the photo with the trophy and Issac would be part of that one."
Bulldogs skipper Michael Ennis is also in line to miss the game with a foot injury but will be allowed to join his side on the podium and raise the trophy if they win the game.
But Greenberg said the situation was different as Ennis was not serving a ban and former Bulldogs skipper Steve Price, who missed the 2004 success, raised the trophy after the win over the Sydney Roosters.
"Michael Ennis is their captain and there was a precedent in 2004 when the captain was injured and got up and lifted the trophy," Greenberg said.
"But until we know the outcome of the game we don't know what is going to happen."
Greenberg confirmed the NRL would come to an arrangement with South Sydney to make a replacement ring should Luke be given one by a teammate.
