Issac Luke isn't sugercoating the reason for his selections in the Warriors' top side at the moment.
"If Nate [Roache] was sweet and if Karl [Lawton] was sweet I wouldn't be in there."
Despite that fact, Luke is determined to make the most of his chance and prove to coach Stephen Kearney, his teammates, the fans and the critics he still belongs in the NRL.
The 32-year-old has already spent time in the reserve grade this season after Kearney challenged him to simply "play well" following a poor start to the season.
The Warriors coach said form, not experience, determines who makes the cut for gameday. (Source: Other)
He was only recalled to the side at the start of the month after it was confirmed Roache's horrid luck with injuries continued as he had a third season ended - this time by a serious ACL injury in his left knee.
Luke's return hasn't been smooth, though, with the hooker also brutally honest about his performance in last weekend's draw against the Broncos.
"I was part of all three tries of theirs so I'm not happy about that," Luke said.
"But I'm just happy to be back and trying to earn my way back in there and I think I've got the players' respect and hopefully I've got the coach's respect."
Luke said his slow return to form could be from that early stint in reserve grade.
"Sometimes you might need that backwards step to go forward."
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