Willie Mason set to return to NRL (Merged threads)

[stsae]

Willie mason survived in rugby league because he played in such a dominant bulldogs pack. He built his reputation on running wide at little blokes and was lucky there were others in his pack that could cover for his disgraceful work rate. Any team that has a Mason in their pack needs to compensate with a Fitzgibbon, tongue, or Hindmarsh etc. I cannot believe anyone would be stupid enough to sign him.

When I commented on the original thought he was coming back to the NRL it was with his rep in mind. IMO the only coaches who run a tight enough ship and who seem to get the best out of the more misunderstood characters in the game are Waynekerr and Bellyache.

I honestly believe too many confuse his off field rep with his on field play. I thought he was very good for us in 08 and barring his knee injury at the end of the season I believe he was in for a good finals series. The next year he was rubbish, but I've seen many struggle after a knee reco, in fact I've never seen anyone from memory come back anywhere near 100% the season after.

On his work rate and how he played don't you think a smart coach will use a player like Wilbur, or Davatar Taylor, to their strengths??? Run them wide at 1/2s, use them for impact not work rate and have a worker in the pack to cover for such a player??? That's what I'd do anyway.

[stsae]

Of course I'll say hi for you. And we've all had our debates on The Wall but I'm met some pretty incredible people on there who are now like family to me, so it wasn't all bad!

Agree 100% RWB, many of the people from the wall I now consider lifelong friends. I was always appreciative of the place as I am of this one and Melons site.

[John Corey]

Willie mason survived in rugby league because he played in such a dominant bulldogs pack. He built his reputation on running wide at little blokes and was lucky there were others in his pack that could cover for his disgraceful work rate. Any team that has a Mason in their pack needs to compensate with a Fitzgibbon, tongue, or Hindmarsh etc. I cannot believe anyone would be stupid enough to sign him.

When I commented on the original thought he was coming back to the NRL it was with his rep in mind. IMO the only coaches who run a tight enough ship and who seem to get the best out of the more misunderstood characters in the game are Waynekerr and Bellyache.

I honestly believe too many confuse his off field rep with his on field play. I thought he was very good for us in 08 and barring his knee injury at the end of the season I believe he was in for a good finals series. The next year he was rubbish, but I've seen many struggle after a knee reco, in fact I've never seen anyone from memory come back anywhere near 100% the season after.

On his work rate and how he played don't you think a smart coach will use a player like Wilbur, or Davatar Taylor, to their strengths??? Run them wide at 1/2s, use them for impact not work rate and have a worker in the pack to cover f

or such a player??? That's what I'd do anyway.

Yeah mate I know what you are saying, I just never rated him. I honestly believe he used to make the nsw team simply on his size, not ability. Because of how dominant that dogs pack was, he was allowed to do the 'hero' stuff. imo there were many other players that should have played origin and for Aus before Mason. Raudonikis thought the same. I was at the game (v saints in the wet) when he done his knee and yep he was playing well. We had fitzy doing a lot of his work . U r right tho, if anyone can get the best out of him Bellamy and Bennett can.

[Guest]

Wests Tigers on the verge of signing clubless star Willie Mason

Dean Ritchie
The Daily Telegraph
March 19, 2012 6:12PM
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/spo...-1226304374697

Willie Mason is set to be signed by Wests Tigers.

THE Wests Tigers are on the brink of signing former Test forward Willie Mason.

And The Daily Telegraph has been told Mason, 32, could announce a new club sometime this week.

Newcastle was touted as another potential suitor but Knights officials are adamant their club is not interested in Mason, who has returned from a short flirtation with French rugby union.

Although deemed by some as a troublemaker, Mason is 194 cm (6ft, 4in) and weighs 115 kg (18st, 2lb) giving the Tigers additional size and strength in their pack.

The Tigers are preparing to discuss Mason's possible arrival with all their stakeholders, including sponsors and the players.

Although aware of Mason's on-field ability, there is resistance from some on the Wests Tigers coaching staff.

It is understood the Tigers would consider offering Mason a two-year deal, possibly as a second tier player.

Senior officials from rival NRL clubs already believe Mason has struck some agreement with Wests Tigers.

Mason has kept fit by undergoing a gruelling individual training program while waiting for an NRL club offer.

The Tigers have struggled up-front since losing Todd Payten (retired), Andrew Fifita (Cronulla) and Bryce Gibbs (Cronulla) in the past few months.

Australian prop Keith Galloway is also injured.

Rookie props Matt Groat and Aaron Woods have done a solid job but some feel they need the presence of a more senior front-rower in the club.

Mason's manager, Greg Keenan, was overseas and unavailable to be reached. Fellow agent Sam Ayoub is assisting Keenan in the negotiations.

Wests Tigers management will though be mindful how the club's fans accept Mason, should he sign. Mason has always polarised public opinion.

Wests Tigers' talks with Mason have come after the club initially claimed they weren't interested in the big forward, who previously played for Canterbury, Sydney Roosters and North Queensland.

But a couple of losses and a few injury concerns has put Mason back on the radar at Concord, although Tigers legend Steve Roach believes the club should look elsewhere.

"The Tigers need a front-rower. Willie is back-rower," said Tigers legend Steve Roach.

"The young blokes are doing a good job. They're just not ready for the impact of NRL yet. I think they are more suited off the bench. That's my opinion.

"The Tigers need a more experienced prop to absorb the early stuff. Their (prop) stocks are down but you just can't make Willie a front-rower."

The Bulldogs reiterated they have no interest in the former NSW forward.

[Guest]

They could use him. You never know he might go okay. Just please keep the guy away from our players.

[Guest]

Link to Willie Mason story in Rugby League section

here is the link if you want to read it.

[Sydney_Roosters_4_Life]

Just announced on Channel 10, Mason has signed already with the Tigers..

[Andrew Walker]

I guess that means stsae would think he wont get going or tear our young forwards to pieces As he wont be coached by Bennet or Bellamy

[chook 56]

Tigers to be the headlines this year......for all the wrong reasons :/

[roosterproud]

ha ha ha ha ha lol@tiggas=woodenspoon
land whale mason set to join tiggas in 2013.hahahahahah we got the spoon in 2009 with this oxygen theif, nq got it thru lack of ability in 2010 with land whale and couldnt even make it in french rugby.he;d have to be $40k /yr

[chook 56]

ha ha ha ha ha lol@tiggas=woodenspoon
land whale mason set to join tiggas in 2013.hahahahahah we got the spoon in 2009 with this oxygen theif, nq got it thru lack of ability in 2010 with land whale and couldnt even make it in french rugby.he;d have to be $40k /yr

overpaid!

[redwhiteblue]

Tigers to be the headlines this year......for all the wrong reasons :/

Oh, dear..the media darlings have signed a bad boy! The journos will all be beside themselves this evening..

[roosterproud]

over paid....
he has to wash 40 cars at the local school car wash every week as part of his pay

[stsae]

I guess that means stsae would think he wont get going or tear our young forwards to pieces As he wont be coached by Bennet or Bellamy

IF Shandy, IF.

[Andrew Walker]

IF Shandy, IF.

Please have the good grace of The General who not only asnswered my pertinent question about the finals series format But who also addressed me as Mr Walker You could learn a thing or two from The General about ettiquette