Crossword Genius

State you need a bit of a back massage (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

assam

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'state' is the definition.
(I know that Assam is a state)

'a bit of a back massage' is the wordplay.
'ASSAM' is hidden back-to-front within the letters.
But, I am not sure how this is indicated.

'you need' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for assam that I've seen before include "Indian tea-growing area" , "I'll provide lots of tea" , "Indian tea region" , "source of tea?" , "Top quality tea" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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