South Sydney hooker Apisai Koroisau says Issac Luke has been a huge help to his career but is now planning to repay the New Zealand international by taking his place on a permanent basis.

Luke is likely to be sidelined for at least another six weeks as he recovers from shoulder surgery and 22-year-old Koroisau has filled in more than capably in his first two games against Canberra and St George Illawarra.

Souths fullback Greg Inglis tipped the Fijiian international to one day succeed Luke in the Rabbitohs No.9 shirt ahead of his debut last month and although Koroisau admitted he was slightly embarrassed by the comments, he hopes they prove to be prophetic.

“Issac has been a massive help and took me aside after video and gave us some tips and what to do,” Koroisau said.

“But I’ve told him good luck getting the shirt back because it’s mine!

“But seriously, I hope he’s back soon because he’s a great player and we need him.”

Playing behind Kiwi Test hooker Luke proved to be a source of huge frustration to Nathan Peats, who had to leave Souths to move to Parramatta to get some game time.

Although he knows it will be tough to displace one of the best rakes in the game, Koroisau is determined to use this opportunity to give coach Michael Maguire a selection headache.

“You do think `will I get a chance?’ and `can I do it?’ but I was happy to bide my time behind one of the best hookers in the game.

“I’ve had a lot of support from the boys in the side and when you have so many great players around you it’s easy to learn from them.”

Koroisau split the role with another highly-rated hooker in Cameron McInnes in the 26-6 win over the Dragons on Saturday but instead of seeing the club’s former U20s captain as a threat to his position, he said it’s big boost to have him in the team.

“The week before against Canberra I tired myself out a bit too early so I was pleased to see him get on,” he said.

“He’s a really good young player and we get on really well so I was was happy to see him make his debut.”