Catalans Dragons v Hull KR: Masoe glad to have accepted Robins' lifeline

The Samoa prop will look to help secure only the Robins’ second Super League win of the season in Perpignan this evening.

But there was a point not long ago when Masoe – who won a Grand Final with St Helens in 2014 – thought his playing days were over.

Having joined St George-Illawarra on a two-year deal ahead of 2016, he suffered a cruciate ligament injury and never actually played a game.

He was eventually released to join Rovers last July.

Masoe, 28, admitted: “I was in a slump in my career.

“I’d had a really bad knee injury, had a few surgeries on it and was struggling to come back and get that drive back into me. For a time I did think (it might be over). It was tough.

“But KR threw me a lifeline by saying come to England.

“The funny thing is I’d played for Saints, but we never beat KR over here. I didn’t even know they were in the Championship. We lost to them twice so didn’t understand how that happened.

“But I thought I’d come give it a go and I’m glad I did.”

The Wellington-born forward helped Rovers earn promotion via the Qualifiers and is now intent on kick-starting their season.

Rock-bottom Catalans have lost all four games so far, but – unlike when falling 23-4 at Rovers -– have ex-Kiwi star Sam Moa in their ranks today.

The juggernaut prop helped replace Masoe at Sydney Roosters when he joined Penrith Panthers in 2013 and they have crossed paths plenty before in the NRL.

Masoe said: “He’s a tough competitor. He goes hard all the time. He only has one speed – sixth gear. I feel sorry for our half-backs as he’ll try come and smash them all day,

“But we need to start wining as one of our goals was to finish top four. We don’t want to be at the other end again.”