Quiet man Moa leading the Roosters pack

Sam Moa’s emergence as one the NRL’s top props has coincided with the rise of the Sydney Roosters and the unassuming Kiwi admits he’s still pinching himself after an amazing two years.

After joining the Roosters on a minimum wage contract at the start of last season, Moa has become the NRL premiers’ most consistent front-rower and usurped teammate Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in the New Zealand Test side.

It’s a remarkable tale for a player deemed surplus to requirements by Cronulla in 2009 and picked up by Super League side Hull FC.

Moa speaks fondly about his four years in England but after spending the final year without his partner and young family who’d returned to Australia, he rejected an improved offer to stay.

A desire to play at the highest level and be reunited with his loved ones made the decision an easy one but finding a club willing to sign him wasn’t so straight-forward.

A move to Manly fell through and talks with Melbourne came to nothing before the Roosters were persuaded to take a punt by his former Hull teammate Craig Fitzgibbon.

While Sonny Bill Williams, James Maloney, Michael Jennings and Luke O’Donnell arrived amidst much fanfare, Moa walked through the door at Moore Park almost unnoticed.

“That first week was pretty intimidating, I didn’t know anyone apart from Fitzy (Fitzgibbon),” Moa told AAP.

“Looking back I think that helped me as there was no pressure and I could work my way in.

“But looking around at all the big names here … I just expected to start in reserve grade.”

A strong pre-season saw him named in Trent Robinson’s side for the round one clash against South Sydney and he hasn’t looked back since.

“For me that game against Souths was up there with winning the grand final,” Moa said.

“Although we lost the game, I was in the team … it gave me the motivation to make sure I stayed there.

“I was on the lowest money possible which reflected my standing and profile.

“But I knew if I played well a better contract would come along. It gave me that extra incentive to push myself and I couldn’t be happier with how it’s worked out.”

In helping the Roosters win the grand final he earned selection for the Kiwi squad World Cup squad and all of a sudden there were no shortage of potential suitors chasing his signature.

But when the Roosters came to the table with a significantly upgraded contract in May he had no hesitation in re-signing.

“It’s a great club and I am very lucky to be a part of a very good team,” he said.

“I am a 50-60 per cent better player than I was in the Super League. That’s because of the coaching, the strong culture and the quality of players.

“It’s been an amazing two years. I couldn’t have imagined a few years ago I’d be in a team looking to win back-to-back premierships.”

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