AFTER a longer-than-expected absence, Ben Murdoch-Masila is ready to be unleashed against Huddersfield Giants tonight.

The powerhouse second rower – in his final season at the club having agreed to join New Zealand Warriors from 2021 – has missed The Wire's past two games with a slight abductor muscle strain.

He was due to return for the trip to Catalans Dragons on Monday but that game was cancelled due to a number of positive Covid tests at the French club.

Head coach Steve Price says his side certainly missed the Tongan international in the defeat to Wigan and the win over Leeds, both in attack and defence.

"He’s a guy that all our players love playing with and he’s certainly been missed. We’re pumped to have him back," he said.

"He gives us so much energy, strength and power when he carries the ball and he’s a smart decision-maker defensively on the right edge.

"We’re excited to get the big fella back and we’ll be building some good minutes into him over the coming weeks."