NRL: Luke excited for Taranaki homecoming

Isaac Luke. Photo / Getty Images

In the build-up to the Warriors' game against the Canberra Raiders in New Plymouth this weekend, the NRL side have released a video on social media focusing on Isaac Luke's return to his home province of Taranaki.

Issac Luke speaking from the heart about his homecoming.

Posted by One NZ Warriors on Tuesday, May 17, 2016

The former South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker hails from Hawera, a small town of about 11,000 that lies roughly 70km from where the Warriors will host the Raiders at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth on Saturday.

The match is the set to be the first ever NRL match to be played in New Plymouth.

"To be able to take an NRL fixture is something that is going to be good for both teams," Luke said in the video, that was posted on onto the Warriors' official Facebook page yesterday.

"It's going to to a lot for the community. I know how big Yarrow Stadium is, and if we can pack that out, it's going to be an unreal atmosphere."

Luke acknowledged that growing up in Taranaki played a significant role in his successful rugby league career, where he has won a World Cup and two Four Nations titles with the Kiwis, as well as an NRL premiership with the Rabbitohs.

"Being from Hawera, where I am is because of them as well. If I make it then Taranaki makes it."