Mose Masoe: "Hull KR will always hold a special place in our hearts as the club has done everything for us." Watch Hull Kingston Rovers vs Castleford Tigers live on Sky Sports Arena on Saturday from 7.30pm
Friday 10 September 2021 10:52, UK
Mose Masoe will make what promises to be an emotional farewell to Hull KR on Saturday when he carries the ball onto the pitch for the club's final Betfred Super League home game of the season.
The ball has travelled around the world to raise money for the charity set up to help Masoe, whose career was ended when he was left paralysed by a spinal cord injury playing for Rovers in January 2020.
He, partner Carissa and their three young children are to return to Australia in November and are in need of huge financial assistance to cover the cost of the support and care they will need.
Organisers have carried the match ball thousands of miles in the summer, collecting signatures of all club captains in Australia's NRL before walking between Super League grounds with it.
The ball will be auctioned off later in the year for the Mose Masoe Foundation.
"The support I have had throughout this year has been absolutely amazing," said Masoe.
"It has been incredibly humbling to see more and more people coming forward who are willing to do incredible things to help me, my family, and of course others who suffer serious injuries playing this sport, as that is what the Foundation is for.
"The whole of rugby league seems to have been behind us, wishing us well and doing all they can to support us, and we are so grateful for that. It will never be forgotten.
"I am excited about walking out tomorrow with my family beside me. It will be really emotional, I know that.
"Hull KR will always hold a special place in our hearts as the club has done everything for us. It will be a moment which I am sure will stand alongside the very best I take from my career."
Mike Smith, chairman of trustees of the Foundation, said: "This final leg of the walk has been a long-time coming given we finished what was meant to be the penultimate leg in June.
"It was a hugely challenging task - an emotional but ultimately rewarding journey to get the ball across the country and it was a tremendous effort by all involved.
"Hopefully people will come out and show their appreciation as the group walks from the MKM Stadium to Hull College Craven Park tomorrow. It should be a great day."
