Maguire disappointed with banned Luke

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire admits he’s disappointed by the actions of Issac Luke after the star hooker picked up a two-game ban for a shoulder charge.

The suspension, for a shot on Corey Oates in Souths’ heavy loss to Brisbane last week, came just a week after he escaped censure for an alleged shoulder charge on North Queensland skipper Johnathan Thurston at the NRL judiciary.

Luke, who missed last year’s grand final win due to a dangerous throw suspension, will miss Friday’s final round clash with Sydney Roosters and the Rabbitohs’ first-round finals fixture.

“It is disappointing for all of us and Issac knows that, he is a pretty passionate kid, he is hurting,” Maguire said.

“But he will do everything possible, he has shown in the past what it (playing for Souths) means to him, he can over the next couple of weeks when he is out.

“You do get a bit frustrated but it is what it is. It was one moment in time he was trying to lift the team. We could sense that we were growing at that period of the game and he misjudged what he was trying to do. Unfortunately now he has to sit out.”

Youngster Cameron McInnes comes in for Luke, who moves to the Warriors at the end of the season, with Paul Carter as back-up on the bench.

Maguire moved to quash speculation once and for all that the Rabbitohs were interested in securing the services of out-of-favour Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah.

“I have got the players I am after,” he said.

“I have Cam McInnes and I have Paul Carter there and I am looking forward to growing those players.

“I think Cam McInnes has a big future which I have stated many times and I think Paul Carter has too.

“He came to us halfway through the season and his dedication to get himself where he is for us at this time in the season is a real credit to him.”

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