Mossop claims Super League is more physical than NRL

Lee Mossop made his long-awaited debut for the Parramatta Eels in the NRL last week, and the 25-year-old Cumbrian is now desperate to rip in.

The former Wigan forward has been slow to make his debut, due to recovery from a close-season shoulder operation.

He was handed something of a baptism of fire in his debut, coming up against North Queensland Cowboys’ State of Origin duo of James Tamou and Matt Scott.

“I’d have preferred it that way,” Mossop told BBC Radio Manchester.

“Being thrown in at the deep end, against a New South Wales front-rower (Tamou) and a Queensland front-rower (Scott), to get in against them and see where I am in relation to the best players is the best way to test myself.

“I’m nowhere near where I want to be yet but I was happy with my first hit-out, how it went and it’s a bit of confidence knowing I played against two very good players.”

Mossop does believe, however, that the physicality of the NRL has been somewhat exaggerated. While the Australian competition is faster than the European version, Mossop thinks that Super League is actually more physical than the NRL.

“The Aussies like to rate the NRL competition is the best in the world and they’re probably not wrong,” he said.

“It’s a lot faster but a lot of people expect it to be harder but I think Super League is a more physical competition.

“However the rule changes – the ruck speed stands out – make it relentless and that speed is something I’ve had to get used to.”