Hull KR’s Korbin Sims says he’ll wear the name of fellow former NRL prop Mose Masoe on his shirt in Thursday’s Super League clash against St Helens.
The whole round of fixtures in the competition over the Easter weekend has been dedicated to the former Sydney Roosters, Penrith Panthers and Saints’ prop Masoe, who suffered a career-ending, life-changing spinal injury last year during a friendly for Rovers.
Sims, who’s joined Rovers this season after his own NRL career with St George Illawarra, Brisbane Broncos and Newcastle Knights, was not a teammate but has taken over Masoe’s squad number of No.10 and was keen to play his part.
“I asked them if I could wear it for the round to show respect for Mose,” said Sims.
“Obviously, he’s been a great clubman over in the NRL and here in Super League and it’s only fitting that we play St Helens for Mose.
“I’m really looking forward to getting out there, giving it my all and hopefully doing him proud.”
Sims’ shirt will be auctioned after the game to raise money for the Mose Masoe Foundation, which provides support for the player and others who have suffered mental, physical or financial problems.
It is one of a number of initiatives over the weekend with fans also being encouraged to buy virtual tickets for the match, which is being played behind closed doors at Masoe’s old club St Helens.
Rovers coach Tony Smith, who has spoken passionately about the need to support Masoe, has welcomed Super League’s gesture of dedicating a whole round to him.
Smith said: “It’s brilliant that it’s for Mose. I’ve been constant in saying that he needs our help now and he’s going to need our help in the future.
“We’re really grateful for Super League, the RFL and the NRL, in jumping on board, for us all to have an opportunity to help someone from within our game that needs it.
New Zealander Masoe, 31, who remains involved with Rovers and will be in attendance on Thursday, suffered severe paralysis after a tackle during the pre-season friendly against Wakefield in January last year.
It was a horrific injury which Smith admits affected everyone at the club.
“It certainly had an impact on many of us and some of those players who were on the field with Mose needed support.
“For me it was probably the first time I had had to deal with something so big and it was tough at times.”
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