Hiku could also be a late inclusion with right centre Anthony Gelling also battling to overcome an ankle problem suffered in his last reserve grade outing against Newcastle on June 17.
Luke's experience, creativity and organising skills simply cannot be replaced and his presence eases the pressure on playmakers Shaun Johnson and Blake Green while offering the side another kicking option.
In short, the Warriors are a much better side with Luke in their line-up, and they will need to be at their best if they are to overcome a formidable Sharks side to post a third straight victory.
After getting through a patchy run of form that included three home defeats to the Broncos, Roosters and Rabbitohs, Green says it's imperative the fourth-ranked Warriors maintain their consistency and reward their loyal supporters with a strong showing against the seventh-placed Sharks.
"We finally cracked it and won two games on the bounce and we haven't played really well the last couple of times we've been at home, so it's a really good chance for us to rectify that and give our fans something to cheer about," said Green.
The Warriors know they need to stand up physically after being beaten-up and out-enthused in each of their home defeats, and are preparing for another rugged encounter against a hungry Sharks outfit looking to bounce back from their last-start loss to Brisbane.
The visitors are bolstered by the acquisition of former Bulldogs front-rower Aaron Woods, who will make his Sharks debut off the bench as part of a powerful forward rotation also boasting Andrew Fifita, Matt Prior, and veteran leader Paul Gallen.
"They've got experience and a pretty handy forward pack," said Kearney.
"They've got some strike in (Matt) Moylan and Valentine (Holmes), and with Chad (Townsend) they've got a halfback that likes to control and put them in good positions, so they're a good footy team.
"They know what it's all about, they've been there before, so we have a big challenge on our hands."
With 10 games remaining in the regular season, the Warriors need to perform well in the coming weeks in four challenging games against top eight sides. After facing Cronulla, the Warriors are away to Penrith (third) and Brisbane (eighth), before hosting Melbourne (fifth) back in Auckland on July 22.
Warriors v Sharks at Mt Smart Stadium, Friday, 8pm
Updated Team Lists:
Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. David Fusitu'a 3. Anthony Gelling 4. Solomone Kata 5. Gerard Beale 6. Blake Green 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Gavet 9. Karl Lawton 10. Agnatius Paasi 11. Isaiah Papalii 12. Tohu Harris 13. Simon Mannering
Interchange: 14. Sam Cook 15. Chris Satae 16.Bunty Afoa 17. Jazz Tevaga 21. Sam Lisone 23. Peta Hiku 24. Issac Luke
Sharks: 1. Valentine Holmes 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Edrick Lee 6. Matt Moylan 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Joseph Paulo 15. James Segeyaro 16. Aaron Woods 17. Jayson Bukuya 18. Aaron Gray 19. Ava Seumanufagai
Referees: Adam Gee, Chris Butler
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