New Zealand hooker Isaac Luke was embroiled in a social media storm just hours before the Four Nations final against Australia, after he sent out a message of support to suspended NRL teammate Kirisome Auva’a.
Auva’a was suspended indefinitely by the NRL yesterday (Thursday), after a conviction for attacking his former girlfriend earlier this year. Luke took to social media platform Instagram to initially say he would wear Auva’a’s name on his wrist in a show of support for his South Sydney compatriot during the final – before ultimately retracting that statement after receiving heavy criticism for the claims.
The initial message read: “Thinking about you my boy @somauvaa keep your head up high. Love from me and my family bol. #onelove somi. Will write you name on my wrist tomorro night. Love u uso.”
After people commented on the post, Luke then wrote another update which said: “don’t like it get off my page. I’m supporting my brother through thick and thin. Weather (sic) he done right or wrong I will always be behind him supporting him. I’m pretty sure you’d would be the same if your mates had done the same.”
This sparked a huge outrage on social media, with Luke later taking to Instagram again to clarify his stance on the role, admitting he is not supporting Auva’a’s actions in any way.
“I understand yeah fair enough I won’t write the name on my wrist that was a stupid move. Especially given the circumstances,” Luke wrote.
