NRL: Coach gives Luke premiership ring

Issac Luke of the Rabbitohs celebrates with the crowd. Photo / Getty Images

Suspended Rabbitohs hooker Issac Luke has an NRL premiership ring, after coach Michael Maguire handed the Kiwis international his title-winning memento following last night's 30-6 win over the Bulldogs.

Luke was initially to be banned from holding up the trophy or being on the field post-match at ANZ Stadium following his suspension for a lifting tackle on Sydney Roosters back-rower Sonny Bill Williams in the preliminary finals last weekend.

NRL rules state suspended players cannot enter the field of play before or after the match.

However, the NRL relented permitted Luke to appear in the official team photo and take part in the lap of honour after South Sydney claimed their first premiership in 43 years.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports Maguire, who won his first title as a coach, gave his ring to Luke, reducing the hooker to tears.

"He said he had a surprise for me. It meant heaps. I cried. This is what all of us young fellas grow up wanting, to get one of these," Luke told the Sydney Morning Herald, pointing to the premiership ring on his finger. "And he gave me his."

Luke is also suspended form the opening Four Nations game against the Kangaroos on October 25 in Brisbane.