ISSAC LUKE, COME ON DOWN!

You may not know a lot about Issac Luke but come World Cup time he could be the talk of the Rugby League town. 

Luke, 21, looked every inch a future New Zealand international in South Sydney's 34-20 loss to arch opponents Eastern Suburbs in the first round of the NRL.

The 80kg hooker from Hawera in New Zealand, was a class act, weaving and bobbing up all over the place. His contribution was highly constructive and productive. He also can kick a goal or two.The Kiwis have a sure fire winner in this young man.

Highly respected Rugby League judge, Ian Heads, said of Luke's game for Souths: "He looks a champion in the making to me. He's quick and tough and smart. And he gives the impression he enjoys every single moment he's out there." 

That was the glee for the Kiwis. The glum came two days later.

Wests-Tigers playmaker Benji Marshall, a Kiwi shoe-in for the World Cup, was struck down by injury-again.

Marshall suffered a knee injury that threatens to sideline him for months and place his World Cup campaign in jeopardy. 

The injury came in just the third minute but the Wests-Tigers were still untroubled to beat a spiritless St.George 24-16. 

The good news, though, is Issac Luke. Here we have a five-eighth masquerading as a No. 9-a trend in the modern game.

Fortunately, Luke has bulk. My obersvations from the first round of the NRL clearly reveals that the game has become so fierce that the "little men" don't stand a chance in hell of surviving. 

Referees must be reminded to protect the "little men." 

There is no room in the game for "cheap shots" especially those aimed at the "little men." 

I recall the great Les Johns, Canterbury and Test fullback, being forced into premature retrement because he was a target for "cheap shots." 

Referees failed in their duty to protect him from these king-hitters. 

I was amazed at the ferocity of the opening round. I can't remember seeing anything to rival it for intenstiy and ferocity. 

Little wonder the mild-mannered CEO of the NRL, David Gallop commented: "The opening round was torrid. It has been a reminder of the intensity of our game and the toughness of our players.. They held nothing back." 

Some observations from round one of the NRL. 

1. Darren Lockyer was a street ahead of the rest in the Broncos 48-12 demolition of Penrith. As a five-eighth Lockyer has no peer in the world of Rugby League. Although one of the "little men" he has the evasive skills to avoid the mug tacklers.

2. Wests-Tigers hooker Robbie Farrah will keep the Storm's Cameron Smith honest all seaason.

3. Andrew Johns will name his own price for a fulltime coaching contract. If he can transform the Eels' Brett Finch into a match-winner overnight then there is no limit as to what he will achieve on a fulltime basis.

4. The Gold Coast Titans-well prepared, well coached and likely to be the dark horse.  

by Geoff Prenter