imageSYDNEY: Kiwi Test hooker Issac Luke will be released from the final two years of his contract with South Sydney to sign with the New Zealand Warriors, his club said Friday.

The defending National Rugby League champions said they have agreed to Luke's request to return home to New Zealand, effective at the end of this season.

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire said family reasons were behind the switch to the Auckland side.

"Issac came to us with a request to head back home to New Zealand from next season, for himself and his young family to be closer to their family in New Zealand, and we have agreed to that request," Maguire said in a statement.

"Issac has been, and still is, a key part of this squad for many years now and I'm certain that he will be doing everything in his power to make sure his final season in the red and green is a successful one."

Luke, 27, thanked Souths.

"For me, this is all about my family. I feel that's it's best for me and my family to return home to New Zealand at this time in our lives and I'm very thankful that the Rabbitohs have allowed me to do that at the end of the year," he said.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2015

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