South Sydney hooker Issac Luke says his week on the sidelines has stoked his competitive fires as the club faces being without Cameron McInnes for the rest of the NRL season.
After serving a week's suspension for a dangerous throw, Luke will make his timely comeback against Newcastle at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.
Rabbitohs back-up rake Cameron McInnes is facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines after injuring his ankle in Saturday's 24-8 win over St George Illawarra.
He has undergone scans and the club is expected to find out in the next few days if he will have to undergo season-ending surgery.
Luke's return will be a huge boost following the loss of McInnes and he said he was hungry to make up for his week off.
While no player likes watching on from the stands, Luke said it had stirred his passions.
"It was hard but at the same time I was happy with how the boys went (against the Dragons)," he said.
"It's cleared my mind and I can't wait for Saturday night. I'm going to go out there with the boys, we had a great training session today."
Luke is winding down on his nine-year tenure at Redfern and will hand the reins to McInnes next season when he join the Warriors.
After Luke announced his impending departure, coach Michael Maguire handed McInnes the starting hooker spot ahead of Luke, a decision he insisted was on form.
Luke said he was leaving the club in good stead and described McInnes as his equal, not his apprentice.
"He's awesome. He's not my understudy," Luke said.
"It was more like we're beside each other. It was the same with Api (Koroisau) as well. We learn from each other.
"He tips me off on a few things I could do better. We help each other out.
"He's going to be a great player."
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