Mose Masoe has a fight on his hands and the NRL is asking fans to help

The heart-wrenching injury suffered by Mose Masoe has prompted the NRL, Men of League and players union to join forces to help his cause

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson at NRL HQ where he helped launch the 'We Stand with Mose' appeal after former Roosters player Mose Masoe broke his neck in a pre-season trial game in England Picture: Toby Zerna

Mose Masoe has a fight on his hands. It’s a fight Alex McKinnon knows only too well. Masoe, like McKinnon before him, is fighting back from a tragic accident that has robbed him of the use of his limbs and tested his resolve.

On Monday morning, Masoe spoke to Australian media by video link from his home in the north of England. He wore the broad smile that became his trademark during stints in the NRL with the Penrith and the Sydney Roosters.

Significantly, current Roosters coach Trent Robinson was in attendance at Rugby League Central as the NRL, Rugby League Players Association and Men of League announced a joint initiative to raise money for Masoe.

The campaign will run over the Easter weekend.

“This is difficult for Mose,” Robinson said.

“He’s a happy warrior, a guy that always had the biggest smile and when he played he always had the biggest smile on the field.

“For him it was about making others feel good. Mose has fought to walk again, but he’s going to need support for the rest of his life.

“It’s hard for Mose to put his hand up because he’s a guy that made everyone else happy, but it’s time for us to support one of our own – and support his wife and kids for the life he needs to live.”

Masoe was injured on January 12 last year in a trial game against Wakefield. He was captaining Hull KR at the time.

Every day has been a fight since. More than 12 months later, he can only manage a few steps unaided. The briefest of activities leaves him exhausted.

He has no sensation or dexterity in his hands. His bowels and bladder will never function normally again. The one thing that can’t be taken from him is his fighting spirit.

“It’s absolutely humbling as a person and as a player to get this sort of help,” Masoe said.

“I’m working hard and are happy with the small improvements I’m making, but the battle has just begun. The challenges ahead, I’m ready for it.

“It’s truly humbling and I’m thankful for everyone’s help. I’m looking forward to this weekend. I’m one of those people who don’t like to put my hand up.

“I’m trying to get better and see how I go.”

If he needed inspiration, it wasn’t far away. McKinnon suffered his spinal injury in 2014. He is now the father of a daughter Harriet with his wife Tegan and the pair are expecting twins in May.

“When you do have that financial support and support of the community around you, it can give you time,” McKinnon said.

“This will give Mose the support and time to make decisions on his own and give him the opportunity find his own way.

“There’s so many unknowns with a spinal injury and to have that support and financial backing, it’s incredibly important.

“Five days ago was seven years since my injury and I truly believe the initial support I had and the ongoing support I had from my community made me who I am today.

“It has given me the opportunity to have a beautiful family, a two-and-a-half year-old girl and twins on the way. It’s what makes rugby league so great we look after our own.

“You will have a direct impact on this guy’s life. You will change his life and give him an opportunity for a new life.”

Masoe refuses to give up. He has had his bad days, but there have been good days as well. Monday was one of them.

“It’s quite emotional for me at times for me because I’m one of those people that don’t like putting my hand up to receive help,” Masoe said.

“I’m a positive person. When my foot starting moving in the hospital I said I would come back and play the game.

“That’s the type of person I am, always trying to get better. There are always people out there that are worse off than you. I always try and think of them.

“I’m grateful for everyone’s help.”

* Donations can be made by the Mose Masoe campaign link