Ex-Super League player receives emotional farewell haka as he leaves club

It was reported yesterday that former Super League big hitter Ben Murdoch-Masila was being released from his contract with New Zealand Warriors and his teammates have sent him on his way with a haka to show their appreciation.

Murdoch-Masila was subject to Super League attention, particularly from Catalans Dragons but it’s believed that he will sign a two-year deal with St George Illawarra Dragons and remain in the NRL.

The Tongan international formerly played for Salford Red Devils and Warrington Wolves but it’s unlikely that either of those teams gave him such a send-off as the one he received from his Warriors teammates. 

The club posted on their twitter profile the message: “Respect to our brother. All the best for your next journey.”

Respect to our brother @BMMasila11 🙏🏽 All the best for your next journey pic.twitter.com/borhM3dKm5

— One NZ Warriors (@NZWarriors) December 21, 2022

He was set to be off contract at the end of the season but had his contract cut short a year as injuries have taken hold for the 31-year-old who has only played 27 of a possible 48 matches for the Warriors since his move from Warrington.

Despite this he’s more than impressed in the NRL and it’s heavily rumoured that he’ll join St George Illawarra on a two-year deal which cut short any Super League return.

The Warriors CEO Cameron George had noted that the club wanted to keep Murdoch-Masila but couldn’t offer a long-term deal, something the Dragons could.

“While we were keen for Ben to remain with us for the full term of his contract, we weren’t in a position right now to offer a further contract beyond this,” George said. “At the same time another club offered him a longer-term deal giving him the security he was looking for.

“We’ve loved having Ben and Roxy (his wife) around our club and we really appreciate the contribution they’ve made. They go with our best wishes.”

Both he and his wife Roxy recently competed in the World Cup where he represented Tonga being a force from the bench and his wife featured for the Kiwi Ferns who made it to the final of the women’s tournament.