Masoe out of hospital

Mose Masoe has thanked staff after leaving hospital to continue his recovery from a career-ending spinal injury at home.
The Hull KR prop had been in Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield after damaging his neck in an innocuous-looking collision during the pre-season match at Wakefield on January 12.
The former Samoa international and St Helens player, who had no feeling from the chest down, underwent emergency surgery at Leeds General Infirmary and spent four days in intensive care.
New Zealand-born Masoe, who will be 31 on May 17, was moved to the spinal unit at Pinderfields, where he has continued his rehabilitation and has been able to walk with the aid of crutches.
Masoe, who is receiving support from the RFL Benevolent Fund, had initially been told he would have to leave hospital at the start of the month because of the coronavirus crisis.
But that decision was reviewed, giving him valuable extra time to work on his recovery.
Hailing the spinal unit staff on Instagram, he wrote: “I can’t thank you guys enough for what you have done for me.
“The work you do is life changing and I have so much love and respect for you.
“Thank you to our awesome neighbours for the welcome home surprise too.”
Masoe, who was appointed co-captain with Weller Hauraki before his injury, joined Rovers during their 2017 Championship promotion season and signed a new three-and-a-half year contract the following year.
He started his career at Sydney Roosters, and also played in the NRL for Penrith Panthers before joining St Helens in 2014, when he featured in the Grand Final win over Wigan at Old Trafford.
He moved to St George Illawarra Dragons in 2016, but didn’t play a first-team match because of a knee ligament injury.
Masoe chose to represent Samoa ahead of New Zealand, and featured in the side that reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2013. He also played in the Four Nations tournament the following year.