‘Contract Offers Security’
Security could be the reason why Iosefo Masi has switched to rugby union and signed a two-year contract with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.
This was the view of North Queensland Cowboys recruitment manager Dave Campbell.
Masi and Mesake Doge are the first players to have signed with the Drua for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Campbell said Masi’s contract with the Cowboys ended a few weeks back.
“Masi’s test and trial contract ended six weeks ago here at the Cowboys,” he said.
“We were certainly sad to see him leave but we also understand that the security of a two- year deal with the Drua and the potential to play in a 7s World Cup was also very important to him.
Campbell said the Cowboys has been fortunate with the emergence of a number younger players like Murray Taulagi, Hamiso TabuaiFidow and the quality form of senior players such as Valentine Holmes, Peta Hiku and Kyle Feldt.
“All these players play in the same positions to Masi.
“He (Masi) would have continued to put pressure on those players had he stayed but it may have been mid or late next year before he was able to get game time (with NRL).”
Campbell said it was likely that Masi would have required another pre-season to compete for a spot in the NRL team.
“We loved having Masi here at the Cowboys and he is a terrific person and player and certainly added great value to our training sessions.
“Should Masi ever indicate that he would like to return to rugby league in the future, we would be open to discussing whether we would have a spot available for him, as we have a very high opinion of him.”
Feedbacks: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj
