League: Isaac Luke sparks online controversy

Kiwis hooker Issac Luke sparked a social media controversy today when he sent a message of support to suspended South Sydney Rabbitohs teammate Kirisome Auva'a. Photo / Getty.

Kiwis hooker Issac Luke sparked a social media controversy today when he sent a message of support to suspended South Sydney Rabbitohs teammate Kirisome Auva'a.

The NRL came down hard on Auva'a yesterday, suspending him indefinitely in response to the 22-year-old centre pleading guilty earlier this year to committing a drunken assault on his former girlfriend in January.

In camp with the Kiwis, Luke sent an Instagram message saying he will wear Auva'a's name on his wrist in Saturday night's Four Nations final against the Kangaroos before backtracking on the idea and clarifying his position after comments criticised the nature of his support.

"Thinking about you my boy @somauvaa keep your head up high. Love from me and my family bol. #onelove somi. Will write you name on my wrist tomorro night. Love u uso," read the initial message which sparked a range of responses from Luke's followers.

Luke later hit back at detractors questioning his support of Auva'a, posting another comment, saying: "don't like it get off my page. I'm supporting my brother through thick and thin. Weather he done right or wrong I will always be behind him supporting him. I'm pretty sure you'd would be the same if your mates had done the same."

Further criticism followed over Luke's decision to honour a perpetrator of domestic violence before he admitted he had made an error in judgement.

"I understand yeah fair enough I won't write the name on my wrist that was a stupid move. Especially given the circumstances," Luke wrote.

The thread continued to gain traction and Luke clarified his stance further, with another message reading: "...I don't support his actions. To be fair I want to kick his arse for laying his hands on a female. I'm just there for him...I'm simply saying that me and my family are there to support somi if he needs it. If I could re write the message with it again I would change so that I can detail so that people don't think I am sending the wrong message..."

Earlier today, Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney spoke glowingly about Luke's contribution to their preparations for tomorrow's tournament decider, after a shoulder injury to Thomas Leuluai saw the Rabbitohs rake recalled to New Zealand's starting side.

"He's been fantastic," said Kearney. "He along with the rest of the group were disappointed for Tommy, that he's sustained an injury that's going to keep him out for a while."

Kearney agreed with suggestions Luke could treat the Four Nations final like his own personal grand final, after suspension ruled him out of both the Rabbitoh's premiership success last month and the Kiwis opening Four Nations win over Australia three weeks ago.

"I haven't spoken to him about that but I guess in his mind he could use this as his grand final. If he wants to use that [as motivation] I'm sure he will but he's been great all week in terms of preparation and controlling the middle forwards. I'm expecting a big performance from him tomorrow night.