When Hull KR’s Mose Masoe first injured his neck in an innocuous-looking collision in a pre-season friendly against Wakefield, the Rugby League fraternity feared the worst. The former Samoan international had lost all feeling from the chest down and had to undergo emergency surgery at Leeds General Infirmary before spending four days in intensive care.

Doctors pulled no punches: Masoe may never walk again. But, the heart and determination of the powerful forward has been unrivalled and his recovery is slowly but surely coming together. In fact, the Hull KR prop is now able to walk with the aid of crutches, something which is indeed a miracle considering doctors’ initial prognoses.

Masoe is now continuing his healing at home after leaving hospital. Although he had been told he would have to leave hospital at the beginning of April due to the coronavirus crisis, that decision was later reviewed which handed the Samoan more time to work on his recuperation.

The co-captain of Hull KR alongside Weller Hauraki, Masoe joined Rovers during their 2017 Championship promotion season before signing a three-and-a-half-year deal in 2018. The 30-year-old has also spent time at Penrith Panthers and St George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL with a spell at St Helens sandwiched inbetween.

 

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Pinderfields Regional Spinal Unit! I can’t thank you guys enough for what you guys have done for me🙏🏽. The work you guys do is life changing and I have so much love and respect for you guys 👊🏽. Thank you to our awesome neighbours for the welcome home surprise too 🙌🏽 #socialdistancing #nhs

A post shared by Mose Masoe (@mosemasoe) on Apr 25, 2020 at 1:57am PDT

Of course, Masoe will never step on a Rugby League field again as a player, but when the 6 ft 3, 120kg did, everyone took notice. His thunderous runs and hard-hitting defence were enough to strike fear into any side. But, it’s his warm smile that is now attracting attention as he inspires thousands of others with his resolve and strength of character.

From the very get go, even despite all the doom and gloom, Masoe was smiling. A more negative person may have – and quite understandably too – struggled to make any kind of progress, particularly when such an injury ended the career he loved playing. But, throughout the process, he has remained upbeat and is now reaping the rewards of a positive mindset.

It would be interesting to see where Masoe’s future does lie – whether it be in or outside the sport – but with KR chairman Neil Hudgell honouring the Samoan’s contract, it would be great to see the forward stay in Rugby League, if only as a motivational speaker.