ROB MASSAM has made just a couple of appearances during his comeback - but North Wales Crusaders will be hoping to see more of him in a last-ditch bid to reach the play-offs.

Massam grabbed a hat-trick of tries during his League One return in the win at Newcastle Thunder and the former Wales international added two more as Carl Forster’s side slumped to a 46-16 defeat at home to Hunslet last weekend.

“There was no easing myself in. I can’t even get my socks on!” Massam, who has return to the rugby league scene after quitting last season, told CruCast.

“You can only get fit by playing and it’s not even the running around fitness.

“I look after myself. I can run. You put yourself in a rugby environment and when you’re running full pelt into people, you just can’t train for that.

“You’ve just got to play

“I know I was a little bit here and there compared to what I normally am in terms of my standards around playing, but you can only get that through playing.”

With five games to go, Cru are two points off the play-off places after sixth-placed Midlands Hurricanes were beaten 36-12 at title-chasing Keighley Cougars.

Workington Town, who host Cru next Sunday, were impressive 32-24 winners at Hunslet.

Town, coached by former Cru supremo Anthony Murray, are now four points ahead of North Wales.

Oldham still lead the division after their 14-10 comeback win at Rochdale Hornets.

Cornwall made their mammoth trip to Newcastle a worthwhile one as they returned south with a 44-34 victory.