By Laine Clark
February 8th 2010 @ 7:02am
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Webb says Mason boo-boys will stop once he hits field
Disgruntled North Queensland fans will change their tune as soon as controversial NRL player Willie Mason “runs over a few people” on the football field, according to new Cowboys teammate Carl Webb.
Some North Queensland fans reportedly threw away their supporter gear in disgust once news filtered through that Mason had signed a one year deal to head north in 2010.
But Webb believes Mason will quickly earn a “brand new fan base” in Townsville once he lets his football do the talking.
“I think a lot of people underestimate what he has done over the years,” Webb said of the 25-Test veteran forward.
“He’s played Tests, been involved in Origins for years, a very experienced player and a good bloke on and off the field.
“I think he will be tremendous for us, he brings so much to the table.
“After he runs over a few people at Dairy Farmers Stadium (in Townsville) he’s going to have a brand new fan base up in north Queensland.”
Webb is convinced Mason would recapture his best form at the north Queensland rugby league outpost – and he should know.
Discarded by the Broncos, Webb grabbed a Cowboys lifeline in 2005 and didn’t look back, going on to taste Origin and Test football.
And he is not alone – the likes of Johnathan Thurston and Luke O’Donnell have also gone on to higher honours after earning their spurs at the Cowboys.
“I can’t comment on Willie’s off-field stuff, all I can say is that it is unfortunate,” Webb told AAP.
“But he’s been given a chance up in North Queensland and it is one of those clubs where it can kick-start your career – I know it was for me.
“And it has been for a few players, he’s got the opportunity now and I know he is thinking the same – he is going to have a crack.”
Webb also believed Mason’s arrival would help him bounce back after a frustrating 2009.
“Definitely, when someone like that comes into the team it gives you confidence,” he said.
“We had a good forward pack on paper to start with, but then with the addition of Willie Mason it will definitely bring some confidence into the team.”
Webb’s confidence has already been boosted after being selected to play for the Indigenous team against the NRL All Stars on the Gold Coast on Saturday night.
He assembled with the Indigenous All Stars on the tourist strip on Sunday.
“Definitely we (Cowboys) underachieved last season, we know that,” Webb said.
“But I think it is great that we get a real quality game like this (All Stars) in before the start of the season so we can hit the ground running.”
Cowboys mentor Neil Henry – who also holds the Indigenous coaching reins – has not finalised when Mason will first don the North Queensland colours in the pre-season trials.
“You are always going to get differing opinions but I know that the board and our club are 100 per cent behind him,” he said of the fan reaction.
“He obviously adds to our depth but it doesn’t change my expectations for the season – I want this team to play finals.”
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