Broncos player fires back at legend in laughing controversy
New Brisbane No.9 Isaac Luke has fired a shot back at Sam Burgess after the NRL legend pointed out it wasn’t the right look for him to be sharing a laugh after the Broncos were demolished on Friday night.
The league community questioned some players’ attitudes after they were seen laughing and high-fiving Titans opponents on the field after the 30-12 shocker.
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Burgess took exception and said a senior player would be in their right to tap Luke on the shoulder and say we don’t want this, considering the New Zealander’s recent move to the outfit.
“With Issac I can understand because he’s been there for two minutes and probably doesn’t appreciate the situation they’re in,” Sam Burgess told Sunday Night With Matty Johns.
“If I was a senior player I would be filthy at that. And I’d to Issac ‘listen mate we don’t do that here’ and then he wouldn’t do it next time.”
Despite criticism from many NRL greats, the veteran rake was hurt most by ex-South Sydney teammate Burgess' criticism on Fox Sports.
"The actions that happened after yesterday's game were poor on my behalf I accept that," he said on Twitter.
For years I’ve always played with my heart on my sleeve. And I will until the day I hang my boots up. The actions that happened after yesterday’s game were poor on my behalf I accept that. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt to lose. I’ve come to the club
— issac luke (@issacluke_14) June 28, 2020
I came to the club because it has been a big dream of mine to don the jersey. A team that I’ve admire over my time of knowing rugby league. It hurst to lose I hate it. And @SamBurgess8 you know me more then anyone on that panel at how much it would affect me
— issac luke (@issacluke_14) June 28, 2020
Normally I wouldn’t react to such I thing like this. It’s just more publicity for the media. But when one of my good mates @SamBurgess8 said something it hits me personally as he knows what I’m like. You have my number brother. I’m only a phone call away. ❤️
— issac luke (@issacluke_14) June 28, 2020
"I'm also sorry to the members and fans as well as the rugby league community for showing that.
"Normally I wouldn't react ... but when one of my good mates (Burgess) ... said something it hits me personally ... You have my number brother."
Walters offers to help Broncos outfit
Kevin Walters says he is confident he can help Brisbane rediscover their self belief after putting his hand up to assist under-fire coach Anthony Seibold.
The ex-Broncos premiership-winning captain said it was tough to watch his former NRL club slide to five straight losses but claimed he could help "lift the spirits" of players if welcomed back to Red Hill.
Walters on Sunday re-signed as Queensland coach until the end of 2021, seemingly ending speculation the former Broncos playmaker could replace Seibold if the board tapped him on the shoulder.
But Walters, who was a Broncos assistant under Wayne Bennett in 2018, said he was happy to help Seibold in their time of need.
"If they want to reach out and need some help I would be happy to help," he told Sky Sports Radio.
"I feel for the players more than anyone.
"I see frustration amongst the playing group. I see them playing as individuals not as a team.
"As a former player no one likes seeing this happening to any club particularly one that you have been associated with for a long time."
