Moga back for more despite fourth knee surgery

It was his longest pre-season so far but Tautau Moga is just glad to be back on a rugby league field after his fourth knee reconstruction.

No one in the game would begrudge the Knights outside back some good luck for a change.

The 10-6 loss to the Eels on Sunday was Moga's 70th NRL game since he made his debut for the Roosters in 2012.

The fact he's played just 11 games in his third season as a Knight underlines the physical fight he's been through.

He wrecked his right knee in April 2018, after three ACL operations on his left.

Moga made it back to the NRL late in 2019 playing six games. But his last was round 22 in August or almost 12 months ago.

Then came the COVID-19 outbreak meaning his hopes of getting back playing were put on ice once more.

"To be honest with you it felt like the longest pre-season. We started in November, played two games and then a break and back into it," Moga said post-match outside the Knights sheds.

"Obviously it's paying off for the boys this year. I'm just keen to get out there next week and play again."

Being off contract at the end of 2020 hasn't helped but Moga isn't letting administration matters get in the way of his determination to be out on the field.

"Look I'm just worried about playing footy. Whatever happens, happens. I just want to put my best foot forward for the boys and the club."

Playing the full 80 minutes at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday is a step in the right direction.

He's made me look at the game in a different way, especially defensively

Tautau Moga on new coach Adam O'Brien

Moga made 15 runs for 142 metres, had the most post-contact metres (72) of any Knight on the field, even David Klemmer who was next in line with 64.

The Samoan international was in the running for a couple of tries but a couple of handling errors crept in.

"I bombed two, but there you go," he said, confident he can eradicate the rustiness.

"That will go with more game time – just being out there with Hymel [Hunt] as well and getting that execution right," he said, before revealing a catchy nickname for his 26-year-old teammate.

"It's good to have the 'Dark Knight' out there on the wing."

Moga doesn't care if he plays wing or centre. His bustling runs in his 27 games for the Broncos in 2017 at centre, which included nine tries, is one of the reasons the Knights and then coach Nathan Brown came calling.

He is now under a different coach following Adam O'Brien's arrival in November 2019.

"Adam has been really good. He's made me look at the game in a different way, especially defensively. What he's bringing here, everyone is buying in and it's paying off," Moga said of the Knights consistent top-eight position.

"The belief we have here is massive.

"He's come from the Roosters and Melbourne and they are straight defensive teams and that's what he's brought here; that's what he's doing with us."

Now it's just a matter of game time and more of it for Moga. He has no fears around his knees.

"It was a long time ago – just happy to be out there with the boys. The body is sweet. It is what it is and I got my opportunity tonight."