New Zealand Warriors sign Ben Murdoch-Masila

The New Zealand Warriors have signed Tongan powerhouse Ben Murdoch-Masila on a three-year contract from the 2021 season.

The 29-year-old will see out the final season of his contract with Warrington before returning to the NRL at the end of the season.

Murdoch-Masila has been a standout performer for the Wolves in recent seasons, and has been a big factor in Tonga’s recent rise in International Rugby League.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Warriors recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan said: “Ben is right up among the best forwards in the game right now and he had plenty of clubs trying to sign him.

“It’s a huge signing for us, one we couldn’t be happier with. Ben always had enormous potential and has now matured into a total professional. He’ll be a real asset to have back in the NRL.”

Having struggled in the NRL after making his debut in 2010, the former Wests Tigers and Penrith Panthers player has revitalised his career in Super League.

Murdoch-Masila told the Warrington Wolves’ website: “Over the three years that I’ve been here we have had pretty much the same squad so we are really close. I will definitely miss the boys. I will miss the fans too and the atmosphere they create for us; it is unreal, the passion they share with us in the good and bad times.

“I’ve always left the door open for the opportunity of an NRL comeback though. My daughter has spent her life here and all she knows is the Wire. When this opportunity came around I couldn’t say no to taking her home to meet mine and Roxy’s families.

“I want to thank all at the club for what they have done for not only me but for my wife and daughter too. They’ve gone above and beyond for us and after a tough first two seasons for me, and a not so good start, I will do whatever it takes to help repay what the Wire has done for me and do my best for the remainder of the year. To be remembered as the Tongan beast.”

Warrington coach Steve Price added: “Ben and I have been in regular dialogue with regards to the attention he has had from back home. We felt we put a good offer as a club to Ben but he felt it was time to go back to be closer to his family which I fully understand. One thing I do know about Ben is that he will give everything he has got for this season; he has made that commitment to all our team. We have still got eight months of hopefully some fantastic rugby from the big fella. It’s the first time, really, since he arrived here that he is injury free so we are really excited to see what that holds for us.”