South Sydney hooker Issac Luke will miss Sunday's grand final against Canterbury after the NRL judiciary upheld his one-match ban for a dangerous throw on Tuesday night.
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Luke bowed his head and looked at the floor after the verdict was read out by judiciary panel member Mal Cochrane, who spent 11 minutes deliberating with the two other panel members, Chris McKenna and Michael Vella.
Judiciary chairman Paul Conlon echoed the thoughts of all Souths fans, officials and players when he immediately addressed Luke. "We all know what that means," he said. "It is very unfortunate."
Luke declined to comment as he left League Central following the decision. Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire didn't answer questions from the phalanx of reporters and cameramen assembled but only gave a short statement.
"Obviously not the result we were after," Maguire said. "But I know I have a squad that are looking forward to preparing well all week and getting into Sunday's game."
Penrith-bound back-up rake Api Koroisau filled in capably for Luke earlier this year when the 27-year-old suffered a shoulder injury, and is likely to be called upon again to fill his role in the decider.
