Mose Masoe

Mose Masoe on the 'psychological' battle of life

The former NRL player suffered a horrific spinal injury for Hull in the English Super League in January 2020.

Masoe's doctors said he would never walk again, but four months later - after radical spinal surgery - he took his first steps.

"The battle has just begun and the challenges ahead I am ready for it, it's going to be tough," Masoe said.

Fifteen months later, the 31-year-old is a shadow of his former 1.9-metre and 120-kilogram build.

"It's not just a physical [game], it's a mental game," Masoe said.

'I'll never be normal again': Mose Masoe opens up on life-changing spinal injury

The 31-year-old Samoa international suffered a career-ending and life-changing spinal injury 14 months ago while playing for Rovers in a preseason friendly.

Former Hull KR, Sydney Roosters and Penrith prop Masoe damaged two vertebrae in an innocuous tackle but within months astounded doctors who warned he may never walk again by taking a few unaided steps.

However, he has now been diagnosed tetraplegic, which means he has partial or total loss of use of all four limbs and torso. He can still walk only a few steps on his own and has no sensation or dexterity in his hands.

Kiwi rugby league star Mose Masoe's miracle spinal injury recovery

The 31-year-old prop has been filming walking in a carpark - just eight months after he was carried off in a pre-season game for Hull Kingston Rovers in January.

Masoe was told he would never play again after being injured in a tackle.

The 1.99m forward was flat out on his back in hospital for the first six weeks, but later regained feeling in his arms and legs and was released from hospital in April to continue his recovery at home.

Masoe heading home prematurely

Masoe suffered a career-ending spinal injury in a pre-season friendly in January.

The Samoa international has made great progress with his recovery, but was informed on Monday that he must leave Pinderfields Hospital this week amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Masoe says he is not ready to be discharged and warned people who are not obeying government lockdown rules that they should understand the consequences of their actions.

Mose Masoe improving after spinal injury

The 30-year-old Samoa international forward was hurt in yesterday's pre-season friendly against Wakefield Trinity.

Masoe joined the UK side from NRL club St George Illawarra Dragons in 2017.

Hull said he is "awake and alert" after having overnight surgery in Leeds.

"Mose has an overwhelmingly positive mindset and would like to thank everyone for their concern and well wishes," said a club statement.

"He would also like to extend special thanks to staff at Leeds General Infirmary for their unbelievable care.