Bunnies hail Luke

[Parra_Power]

Bunnies hail Luke
July 23, 2007 12:00am

SOUTH Sydney coach Jason Taylor branded 20-year-old hooker Isaac Luke a superstar following its thrilling 20-14 win against North Queensland at Telstra Stadium yesterday.

The New Zealander was dominant as a youthful Souths outfit overcame the Cowboys for the second time this year to remain just two points outside the top eight and still in the race for a finals berth.

Exciting 19-year-old halfback Eddie Paea, recalled for suspended pivot Jeremy Smith, also impressed in only his second match while Nathan Merritt shone at fullback in place of dropped David Peachey.

Luke, playing just his seventh game, scored a try, set up another and was inspirational in both attack and defence for the victors, who defended gallantly as they have all season.

"We need to keep his feet on the ground but he's a superstar in my opinion," Taylor said.

"He was the difference at times between the two teams and he wasn't in our team last week (loss to Parramatta) and we missed him."

The Rabbitohs trailed 10-8 midway through the second half after leading 8-4 at halftime before tries to Luke and five-eighth Ben Rogers set up the win, despite the Cowboys challenging late.