Mitchell Pearce has paid tribute to fellow milestone man Issac Luke following Friday's loss to the Warriors.
The nib Newcastle Knights halfback celebrated his 250th NRL game which coincided with the same milestone for the Warriors hooker.
Having opposed each other throughout the years while Luke was at South Sydney and Pearce the Sydney Roosters, Pearce has always respected the pint-sized No.9.
"I caught up and congratulated him," Pearce said of Luke.
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"It's been hard work playing against him. He's a great player.
"Blows plenty of rucks out there, so what a player he's been at rep level for the Kiwis and all the teams he's played at.
"I've got the utmost respect for him."
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It was a tough evening for Pearce with the Knights going down in Auckland 20-4.
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While his milestone wasn't capped off with a victory, the playmaker said it was a special achievement none the less.
"The Club brought mum and my girlfriend in to present my (250th) jersey," he said.
"I feel proud to play that many games, I suppose and hopefully a few more.
"But having mum and my girlfriend here and seeing your family proud is the most important thing."
