Recently retired prop Mose Masoe says he is "truly humbled and grateful" for the support of the rugby league community after suffering a serious spinal injury last week.
Masoe's wife Carissa posted a message from him on Instagram thanking his club, Hull KR, and supporters around the world for their support after he was forced into retirement by the horror injury.
Hull KR coach Tony Smith said last week the 30-year-old ex-Roosters and Panthers forward won't play again.
"If Mose is able to walk, that will be a success," Smith said.
Masoe, a father of three with another child on the way, said he was remaining upbeat despite the circumstances.
"I can't begin to express my love and gratitude to everyone that has been helping me and my family at such a hard time we truly are surrounded by amazing people/family," Masoe said.
"Everyone has their own battles that they are fighting themselves and this has become my new battle for now. It's going to be a long road ahead for me and my little family but it makes it easier for us knowing that we are so blessed with all of your support and well wishes.
"The way I'm going to attack this is with a positive attitude and a big smile on my face."
Masoe was innocuously hurt while making a tackle for UK Super League club Hull KR in a friendly match against Wakefield Trinity.
He underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his spine and has now been transferred from intensive care to a specialist spinal unit at Pinderfields Hospital in Yorkshire.
More than £20,000 (almost AUD $38,000) has been donated to an online fundraiser to assist the seven-time Samoan international.
Masoe was on Friday (Australian time) announced as Hull KR's co-captain for this season alongside Weller Hauraki, a decision Smith said was made before Masoe's injury.
"Mose will play a role for us wherever he can, he will have some input and motivation into the team," Smith said.
"He has already done that after he sent a video message. I do want everyone to understand it was agreed last week, that that was going to be the case and it hasn’t been a reaction to recent occurrences.
"We're really proud that he's going to stay involved and have a big impact on our team and club."
The Rugby League Benevolent Fund paid for Masoe's family to fly to England from Australia after he suffered the injury.
After playing 63 NRL games between 2010-13, Masoe joined St Helens in 2014 and won the Super League title in his first year.
He returned to the NRL with St George Illawarra two years later but a knee injury prevented him from playing a game.
In 2017 Masoe moved to Hull KR, where he is signed until the end of next season.
