BEN Murdoch-Masila says he will “keep pushing himself” despite having to manage several niggling injuries.

The second rower has missed a lot of rugby since joining The Wire from Salford Red Devils last year through injury – his latest spell on the sidelines came as a result of having minor ankle surgery.

In most weeks, the Tonga international is limited to short, sharp spells off the bench but he has started in the past two games.

He has delivered, too, having put in stints of 55 minutes in the Challenge Cup Final win over St Helens and over an hour in last Thursday’s 22-6 Super League loss at former club Salford.

Murdoch-Masila says he will have to keep an eye on his body but insists he is feeling better than he has at times this season.

“These niggles are the ones that don’t really go away because of playing each week,” he said.

“We’re managing that for now, but I am feeling better and feeling good in myself. It’s just a case of putting that out on the field.

“As long as I’m on the field and am getting through the work I’m supposed to, I’m happy.

“I’m pretty happy doing the big minutes. I knew I had it in me but the injuries come and go.

“They flare up a bit in some games. I just have to keep pushing myself but I think I have been doing that of late and it’s showing in my performances.”

For Murdoch-Masila, the reward of post-season representative honours may serve as extra motivation for him.

While many of his teammates are striving for Great Britain selection, he may well be lining up against them if he is chosen to play for Tonga.

Kristian Woolf’s side also face Australia this autumn and while he is keen to be involved, Murdoch-Masila is relaxed about his chances.

“There’s a lot of young Tongan forwards coming through in the NRL,” he said.

“I would like to get picked, but if it’s not meant to be I’ll wish all the boys good luck, especially all the Warrington GB boys.

“We’re getting the recognition our talent deserves.

“Jason Taumalolo is one of the best forwards in the NRL – for players like him and Andrew Fifita to be playing for us is massive.

“We are a force to be reckoned with. We are a warrior nation and other countries should watch out.”

If it is to be an off-season of rest for the powerhouse, he will have another season alongside good friend Sitaleki Akauola to look forward to.

Warrington Guardian:

Ben Murdoch-Masila and Sitaleki Akauola celebrate winning the Challenge Cup. Picture by Mike Boden

His fellow Tongan penned a new two-year deal with The Wire recently to keep him at the club until 2021.

“I would have been sad if he’d left but I’m buzzing he’s staying,” Murdoch-Masila said.

“To have him alongside me on the field is a big lift.

“I think we both get buzzes off each other – if one runs, the other runs after him.

“That will be good for the next two years.”