NRL: Luck may leave Warriors for Australia coaching role

Warriors captain Micheal Luck may be on the verge of announcing his retirement. The 220-game veteran and club vice-captain - who is off contract at the end of the season - has been offered a one-year extension, however the Weekend Herald understands he is considering calling time on his playing days to take up a coaching position, most likely with an Australian club. Luck did not respond to messages left on his mobile phone yesterday. Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah confirmed the club met Luck and his agent Jim Banaghan this week to discuss a contract extension, but he would not discuss specifics of the negotiation. However, it is understood Luck has indicated he may instead opt to retire because of concerns about his body's ability to cope with much more punishment. Luck turns 30 today. He has undergone four surgeries - two on his broken hand and one each on a shoulder and finger tendon - since last November's grand final. He is yet to play this season but recently had a cast on his damaged arm removed and is expected to return to the field around round 11. The Warriors consider Luck to be coaching material and are keen to keep him in an off-field capacity if he does retire. The Weekend Herald was unable to confirm a report he had already put his house up for sale, but it is understood Luck's preferred option is to return to Australia. In his seventh season with the Warriors, Luck has played 144 matches, scoring seven tries. If he does retire it may have a knock-on effect on the club's recruitment plans. A veteran presence in the middle of the defensive line, he will not be easily replaced.