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Broncos coach 'regrets' releasing former Origin hooker

Australian Associated Press
·2-min read
Seen here, Andrew McCullough was granted release from the Broncos to join Newcastle.
Coach Anthony Seibold has questioned Andrew McCullough's release after being hit with a hooker dilemma at the Broncos. Pic: Getty

Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold admits he has "some regrets" about releasing Andrew McCullough after being forced to sign veteran Issac Luke to bolster hooker depth.

Former New Zealand international Luke will be named on an extended bench for Thursday's NRL clash with Newcastle after earning a St George Illawarra release and signing with the Broncos for the rest of 2020.

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Luke, 33, will provide welcome assistance for rookie rake Cory Paix who has been forced to step up in the last fortnight after first choice No.9 Jake Turpin suffered a leg fracture.

Seibold signed Luke after Paix suddenly became Brisbane's sole rake when Turpin went down just weeks after McCullough was released to Newcastle.

After losing his starting spot to Turpin, McCullough opted to head to the Knights and is now set to remind the Broncos what they missed out on when he runs out against his former club in Thursday night's round-six clash.

Asked if he had any regrets over releasing McCullough, Seibold said: "I can understand that observation.

"Some decisions you get right and some you get wrong.

"With regards to Macca's situation, a lot of that was driven by Macca.

"(But) when Turps hurt himself a week later, you have some regrets in hindsight.

Broncos sign Kiwi veteran as cover at hooker

Pictured here, Kiwi veteran Isaac Luke has signed with Brisbane after being released by the Dragons.
Isaac Luke has arrived at the Broncos to help cover the shortage at hooker. Pic: Getty

"You make decisions that you think are best for the player, person and club at the time and that was the best decision at the time."

Luke, a veteran of 274 NRL games, arrived in Brisbane on Monday.

"It is a good fit for us because he gets an opportunity to help Cory Paix while Jake Turpin is out - we think he will be a good addition," Seibold said.

Meanwhile, Seibold said skipper Alex Glenn - back from a leg laceration - and Herbie Farnworth were in the running to replace Kotoni Staggs (hamstring) at right centre against the Knights.

Staggs is expected to be sidelined for four to five weeks.

Corey Oates looks set to move back from the back-row to the wing with Tevita Pangai returning from a four-game suspension.

"He started the season really well against the Cowboys but was really disappointed with his actions to get suspended," Seibold said of Pangai.

"He has got an opportunity to go out there and help the team."