The Newcastle Knights have given up on their quest to sign off-contract Warriors hooker Issac Luke.
The Newcastle Herald is reporting the deal was pulled from the table, after revelations Luke is booked in for shoulder surgery that could keep him out of action till the start of next season.
Luke was offered a one-year contract, with an option for a second, by the Knights.
"The Issac Luke negotiations are dead," Knights recruitment boss Troy Pezet told the Newcastle Herald.
"There are issues in and around Issac's shoulder surgery, and when he would be available and we made a decision not to pursue it."
The club is trying to fill the void of fellow New Zealand international Slade Griffin, who is due for knee surgery next month and faces a 9-12 month rehabilitation.
With Luke out of the picture, the club apparently chasing the services of James Segeyaro.
Meanwhile, Luke has given his strongest indication that he wants to remain in New Zealand with the Warriors.
The 31-year-old told NRL.com that his family desperately wanted to remain in the country, which will factor in his final decision.
"We want to stay in New Zealand, as a family, my wife and the kids," Luke told NRL.com.
"It's pretty important couple weeks coming up, we'll see how that goes the next couple of days.
"My manager is doing everything he can to get a really good contract. In saying that, I am happy where I am and obviously I want to stay."
The Warriors have reportedly offered Luke a one-year deal.
Luke was a nominee for the Dally M Hooker of the Year award last night in Sydney, but lost out to South Sydney Rabbitohs star Damian Cook.
Newshub.
