Rugby: Masaga to leave Counties for Waikato

Counties Manukau are set to lose their only real star with wing Lelia Masaga likely to leave for Waikato at the end of this year's national championship.

The union's only Super 14 player has regularly been among the top try scorers in Super rugby but the livewire winger has so far failed to gain All Blacks selection. Toiling away in a Steelers side that has won just three matches in three seasons has done little to boost his cause.

He has stuck with Counties to be close to his ailing mother but Masaga confirmed this year would be his last in Steelers colours.

"I've made a decision that when Counties start up I'll be there for one more year - but I will leave next year when my brother moves up," he said.

"From then on I'll probably carry on playing for Waikato. We'll see what comes up."

The major knock on the 22-year-old has been his sometimes flighty defence and susceptibility to high kicks. While he has made big strides in those areas with the Chiefs, he admits he should have done a better job for the Steelers.

"I went in with the wrong mentality last year at Counties. I'd come away as the Super 14's top try scorer and I focused too much on wanting to score tries for Counties, not realising that my tackles and [fielding] high balls was really important as well.

"I've learned that lesson and I've realised that when I go back to Counties this year I've got to give more than just wanting to score tries. I've got to be a role model and a leader and help our young players."

With Hosea Gear out injured and Joe Rokocoko meandering through his paces at the Blues, Masaga must be in All Blacks contention for the inbound tours of France and Italy.

But, after missing out last year, he has learned to temper his expectations.

"If I make it this year then, hey, I make it. But if I don't, then I just have to get another couple of games under my belt in order to prove to Graham Henry that I can play at that level."