Masoe relishing tougher Super League challenge
LEEDS: Mose Masoe is used to winning with St Helens but the former Sydney Roosters forward insists Super League life is much tougher this time around. Masoe arrived at Langtree Park last year and swiftly helped the Saints to a first Super League title in almost a decade.
This season has kicked off in a similar vein - five wins from five leaving them top of the pile at this stage, following a hardfought 30-20 victory at Widnes Vikings last weekend.
However, the 25-year-old New Zealandborn Samoan international believes the slimmed down competition - following last season’s double relegation - had added a competitive edge.
And with Warrington Wolves - fresh from beating high-flying Leeds Rhinos - the visitors on Thursday, Masoe admits St Helens need to step up another gear.
“Widnes are always strong at home so going in at half-time I think the boys were quite worried, but we just stuck to our game plan,” he said.
“It’s nice to be on top but we are playing Warrington and they beat Leeds so it’s going to be a tough one. They are one of the teams that are always fighting for trophies and it’s always a tough game - it’s going to be a cracker. “They like to play fast and they like to try and get through you as a team. We are kind of similar styles.
“It’s been a lot tougher than last year. Everyone is trying to fight for the top eight spots and having the champions label on you, everyone is trying to beat you. We have had five tough games and it is going to be another one today.”
Australian scrum-half Luke Walsh is still not ready to return from an ankle problem on Thursday, but Masoe is looking forward
Mose Masoe in action in this file photo.
to again playing alongside Atelea Vea - the former Melbourne Storm second row who has impressed since his winter switch from relegated London Broncos.
“When we won our second game he said he had doubled his wins in Super League - that was quite funny,” said Masoe. “He has brought something different to the table, which has been good.”
Elsewhere, Ken Sio is hoping to prolong his hot streak this weekend when Hull KR visit Widnes. A hat-trick against Catalans Dragons last time out took the former Paramatta Eels flyer to six tries already this Super League season.
The 24-year-old credits Aussie half-back duo Albert Kelly and Terry Campese for much of his success. “We have so many quality players in the team like Terry and Albert,” he said.
“They are two very good halves and they are always going to create chances for me and the rest of the team. It’s great to play alongside them.
“We dug in deep (against Catalans) when we were behind. We are going to have to continue to dig deep at Widnes on Sunday because they are also a good team.”
Salford owner Dr Marwan Koukash believes his side are in capable hands ahead of a trip to Castleford Tigers on Friday, after bringing in Australia coach Tim Sheens in an advisory capacity with the Red Devils.
“It has been great to have had someone of this stature helping us,” he said. “I do wish I had done it last year. “Tim is a great person and everyone has loved him being here. We have played well while he has been here. Maybe it is the Tim Sheens effect.” —AFP