Last updated at 11:44, Friday, 14 September 2012

Aussie Luke Isakka is to leave Whitehaven – but he is determined that his last game for the club won’t be at Workington Town on Sunday.

Luke who’s winning: Luke Isakka drives in

The forward turns 32 in November and revealed he will bow out at the end of the season, which will be this weekend if Haven lose the play-off clash.

But he said: “No one is entertaining the idea we will lose. We have a good chance, even though we haven’t beaten them this year. That will fire us up even more. It would be nice to finish in a Grand Final.

“They won’t lie down for us and it will be a tough game. And they will be more pumped after just getting by last week (against Oldham).

“They’ve beaten us four times this year so have won their fair share and are a really good team.”

Isakka labelled his two years at the Recre as “sensational” but is not convinced he is still hitting his former heights.

“Everyone has their own standards, and I don’t know if I’m hitting mine like I want to,” he continued. “I don’t think I’m pulling out too early, or too late, but it would be a regret if I went on a few years too long.

“The players, the club in general, everyone in town and all the fans have been accommodating and made me feel right at home.

“It hasn’t felt like moving away from home as everyone makes you feel welcome straight away.”

Isakka started eight of the first 10 games of the season but has since been used off the bench.

Also on the way out of the Recre are Matthew Haggerty and Max Wiper, who have joined Barrow Raiders for 2013.

Centre Wiper, who hails from Barrow, has been an ever-present this term, scoring six tries in 25 games, while prop Haggerty has played 17 times, all but two off the bench.

First published at 11:26, Friday, 14 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk