BEN Murdoch-Masila has left Australia and is on his way back to the UK to join up with the Wolves squad.

The Tonga international, who joined the club from Salford Red Devils, was initially expected to arrive just before Christmas but visa issues meant he remained Down Under.

There had been rumours the second rower was about to renege on his three-year deal with The Wire, but the club have now confirmed he is on his way back to England.

After some impressive performances for Tonga, Murdoch-Masila’s manager Mario Tarak was quoted in the Australian media saying his client could be tempted by an “astronomical” offer to return to the NRL as opposed to taking up his three-year deal with The Wire.

The club moved quickly to quash that speculation at the time and remain adamant the 26-year-old will join up with his new teammates.

Judging by Murdoch-Masila’s social media activity over Christmas, it seems he is keeping his fitness levels up while in Australia.

Wolves’ first game of the 2018 Super League season, against defending champions Leeds Rhinos at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, is just 27 days away.