Roxy: I don't want to be known as Ben's missus

When Ben Murdoch-Masila agreed to join the Warriors last March, the Warrington Wolves were not only losing their Tongan wrecking ball, but their women's club captain as well.

Murdoch-Masila's wife, Roxy Murdoch, has turned heads in the northern hemisphere since lacing on the boots for Warrington's women's side during their maiden season in 2019.

Such was her dedication to the team, on her wedding night - while still wearing her white dress from the ceremony - she attended the Wolves' jersey presentation night to collect her hard-earned playing jumper.

The couple's return to Australia after a five-year stint in the UK has opened the door for Murdoch, 28, to test herself in a different climate and against the world's best Down Under this season. 

A barnstorming back-rower, Murdoch will represent the New Zealand Maori side in the Harvey Norman All Stars clash on February 20 after being approached by coach Keith Hanley.

"I wasn't sure if I was going to play or not this year because Ben and I wanted to try for another baby," Murdoch tells NRL.com.

"But I thought I'd give it another crack because I've seen how well the women are doing over here and the opportunities. 

"You've got NRL contracts now available and when you're in the UK you look up to a lot of the girls in Australia and New Zealand.

"I want to see if I could match it with them and I don't want to be known as Ben's missus … I want my own name. I feel like I have to prove myself."

Despite being born in New Zealand, she has pledged her allegiances to England for the upcoming World Cup under the international residency rule.

Her commitment to her English teammates goes without saying.

Before her Warrington debut against Barrow Island, Murdoch famously made a quick trip to join her Wolves teammates and accept her playing jersey, just hours after marrying Ben in a quiet ceremony all while in her wedding dress.

"The England girls are really cool and I wanted to stay loyal to them," she said.

"The club did a lot for us as a family, my daughter loved the schooling on offer it means a lot to me to stay connected.

"I also just thought the Australian and New Zealand girls have got a bit of a head start on a lot of our girls after the [Super League] season was completely cancelled.

"There is still a lot of uncertainty for them whereas over here everyone is training."

After becoming the first married couple to play for a Super League club in history, should Roxy earn a deal with the Warriors, the family will own similar honours in the NRL.

With the Warriors based on the Central Coast, Murdoch has linked with the Roosters in the Harvey Norman NSW Premiership for the first half of the year.

"I've had a couple of chats with the Warriors about the NRLW and it would be cool to do that," Roxy said.

"I'm still in regular contact with the England coaches and have been sticking to my training loads and programs. 

"I definitely have to make some teams over here to play for England so that's the plan."

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