Hulking prop Mose Masoe says family was the main reason for his return to the NRL despite an impressive stint with St. Helens in the Super League.

“That was a big point for me, coming home to Australia, because I have a son over here. I had him over last Christmas for like two months and he said he’d like me to come home,” Masoe told nrl.com.

“Even then my younger kids didn’t have any family over in England to hang out with on the weekends so it was a matter of making everyone happy [coming back to Australia].

“Some of the things before we left, just like being outdoors and going to the beach, we took for granted.

“We really have enjoyed having the family close, and for me, being back in the NRL is exciting.”

The former Rooster and Panther also praised incoming Newcastle coach Nathan Brown who mentored Masoe at the English powerhouse.

“There were plenty of good little tips that I picked up so the Super League experience definitely helped me as a player.

“He’s a really good coach in the way he thinks about the game and he’ll do well in Newcastle.”