4 May 2009

Luke in danger of missing test with dangerous tackle charge

6:11 pm on 4 May 2009

The New Zealand Test hooker Issac Luke is in danger of missing Friday's rugby league Test against Australia after being charged with striking.

Luke's been charged with using his elbow in a tackle during South Sydney's NRL loss to the Gold Coast Titans.

If found guilty he will be suspended for one match, ruling him out of Friday's Test at Suncorp Stadium.

He would have escaped with an early guilty plea had he not been found guilty of two previous offences.

It means he will have to successfully contest the charge at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night to play for the Kiwis.

Warriors forward Jesse Royal is the only other player charged from the weekend but he can escape suspension for a dangerous throw with an early guilty plea.

Meanwhile Melbourne backrower Sika Manu has been called into the squad after Frank Pritchard pulled out with a neck injury.