Ben Murdoch-Masila has admitted tears were shed as he told Steve Price he would be leaving Warrington.
After wreaking havoc in Super League for over four years, with Salford for two seasons (2016 and 2017) before he moved to Warrington in 2018, Murdoch-Masila will return to the NRL next season with New Zealand Warriors after signing a deal with the club last month.
But he admits the decision to leave Warrington wasn’t simple. During his time with the club, the powerhouse admits he has come to love the Wolves, ever since arriving from Salford.
However, the lure of the NRL was too strong, and Murdoch-Masila told how a difficult discussion with Steve Price followed.
“Steve Price was the first person I told,” he said.
“We were coming into round one and I asked if I could talk to him. We sat down and I think he kind of knew. I told him what was going on and why I was doing it so early. I told him I wanted to put it to one side and focus on Warrington.
“He took it on and told me I’m one of the nicest blokes in the team and that he appreciates my honesty. We both had teary eyes. I’m glad that all the coaching staff have always had good and happy relationships with me. They’re the kind of people you trust and want to work for.”
At 29, the Tongan international thought his opportunity to return to the NRL had gone. But his outstanding performances on the international stage, as well as in Warrington colours, have earned him another opportunity.
“It was difficult, but I’ve never closed the door on going back to the NRL. I’ve always had the ambition to go back,” he said.
“I thought my chance was lost, probably a year or two ago now, but now I’m just grateful for the opportunity. To get this chance, I can’t really describe it. It means a lot not just to me but my family as well.
“I think it was the right time to go back home and one of the reasons is that my daughter is growing up here.
“It was time to take her home to show her what she’s missing out on, which is the family side. It was a hard decision to leave Warrington, a club I’ve come to love; just the way it’s run, even the owner, he gets in on everything can call him up and give him a chat. It’s always tough, but the chance to be with our family all the time means a lot.”
Like Luke Thompson, who is also going to the NRL next year with Canterbury, Murdoch-Masila has made the decision to resolve his future early. And now, just like the Saints forward, he wants to end on a high.
“I wanted to get it out there nice and early so I could focus on Warrington Wolves for the rest of the year, rather than it lingering in the back of my mind.
“I do owe this club a lot for what they’ve done for me. The past two years for haven’t been the best in terms of injuries. But now I’m fit I want to repay what they’ve done for me because I love this club.
“To win a Grand Final would be one of the highlights of my career. To be the first Wire team to hold the trophy would be a dream come true and we would go down in history. We spoke about it in pre-season camps, to make history. That’s how I want it to end.”