League: Captain No 6 feels lucky to be back home

Rabbitohs captain Isaac Luke achieved a number of firsts at the Auckland Nines yesterday. Photo / Getty Images

Issac Luke achieved several firsts yesterday.

Apart from his debut appearance at the Auckland Nines, he also led the Rabbitohs for the first time and wore the No 6 jersey on his back.

After missing the tournament last year, Luke has spent the past few months cajoling coach Michael Maguire to let him play.

"I've been pushing him for a while and it's been worth it," Luke said.

"It was an incredible crowd and great to be playing here and leading the team out. I love being home."

Being given the armband reflects his status in the game, as he has matured noticeably in the last few years.

"It's different but it is great," he said.

"It is something I have been working towards, getting the 'c' letter next to my name. It would be good to get the chance again."

Luke also elected No6 yesterday as it is his father's "favourite number" and it was a lucky omen as the Rabbitohs won both their matches (11-4 v Panthers, 19-12 v Cowboys) to sit top of Pool Waiheke.

Unlike many players yesterday, Luke has had the experience of a previous incarnation of nines, when he played in a Bartercard Cup version back in the early 2000s.

"I was 15 years old playing for Taranaki with my older brother," he said. "But this is a different game. It's fast ... very fast. I don't remember it being that fast."

Ken Nagas also has experience in abridged league, having featured in the League World Sevens in the 1990s in Sydney, and rolled back the years yesterday as he played for the Canberra Raiders more than a decade after he was part of the famous Green Machine.

The 41-year-old looked in good shape, and came close to scoring a try in the first match against the Tigers.

"It was a good opportunity to have a crack," Nagas said. "I wasn't trying to make a point about being old or anything. It was bloody hard, though. I haven't engaged in any contact for a long time and they are big boys."