Issac Luke says he will never abandon Kirisome Auva'a despite backlash over his support of him Issac Luke says he doesn't care his comments of support for Kirisome Auva'a caused a backlash. SELF-CONFESSED reformed "ratbag" Issac Luke says he will never abandon Kirisome Auva'a despite copping a fierce backlash over his support of the suspended South Sydney centre. Luke's build-up to Saturday night's Four Nations final was buffeted by controversy after the Kiwi hooker took to social media to defend his Rabbitohs teammate. Auva'a has been suspended indefinitely by the NRL after pleading guilty to assaulting his partner, and Luke planned to display his name on wrist-strapping in the Four Nations final. Issac Luke's Instagram post. Luke later desisted following private discussions with the New Zealand Rugby League, but the straight-shooting rake says the firestorm of criticism won't silence him. "I know I've caused a massive blow-up on social media but I don't really care," Luke said in the wake of the Kiwis" 22-18 triumph. I'm there for my brother. Look, all my respect goes to his ex-partner, she's obviously gone through a tough time but I'm sure she has a lot of support from her family. "Kirisome needs support from his friends and family, so I'm there for "Some." If I was going through a tough time, I'd hope my friends would be there for me. Asked if the NRL's suspension was warranted, Luke said: "I'm not going to criticise the NRL on that. Was it too long? That's not for me to say, but I'll make sure he knows he's got my support. Luke has faced his own adversity, albeit far less onerous, in recent months. Last month, the Souths ruck wizard was left gutted after being rubbed out of the NRL grand final against Canterbury for a dangerous throw on Sonny Bill Williams. Luke watched Souths" premiership celebrations with a heavy heart, but the Four Nations winner's medal dangling around his neck provides some solace. "It's been a roller-coaster year for me, so this win takes a lot of the pain away," Luke said. I know I was a part of the grand final build-up, the boys say you're part of it but it's a different kind of feeling. They were my teammates so I was happy for them, deep down I tried to give as much energy as I could and I wanted to show them I was there as upset as I was. It's my dream to win a premiership and win a trophy for my country, so this (Four Nations win) ticks one box. I've grown up a lot this year. I used to be a real ratbag, but I have positive influences in my life now. I've got kids and everything I do reflects on them. I don't want to set them on a bad road, I'd hate that ... I don't want them to go through the life that I did.