Willie Mason’s NRL career could be over, with another shoulder charge from the veteran prop sure to come under scrutiny from the match review panel on Monday.
ARTICLE: HAS HAYNE ALREADY MADE THE 49ERS’ 53-MAN ROSTER?
On his return from a two-week ban for the controversial tackle following the NRL’s late season crackdown, Manly’s Mason put a suspected shoulder charge on Sydney Roosters prop Dylan Napa in the opening tackle of Friday night’s match.
Given Mason is unsigned for next year despite saying he is keen to play on, a one-match ban could end his 16-year first grade career that began with Canterbury in 2000.
South Sydney hooker Issac Luke has already taken a two-match ban for a shoulder charge in the Rabbitohs’ big loss to Brisbane. The Warriors-bound Luke won’t play for the seventh-placed Rabbitohs again unless they make it through to the second week of the NRL finals.
Warriors forward Charlie Gubb could also face suspension for a shoulder charge after being accused of two of the tackles in the club’s big loss to Wests Tigers on Sunday.
Canterbury forward Frank Pritchard faces a nervous wait after being put on report for a high tackle in the narrow win over Newcastle.
Mason’s Manly teammate Justin Horo is also on report for a high shot.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Yep that's what I meant.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Never mind Willie Mason you have given us allot of great memories and maybe you will get a contract for next year so you can prove your final year. Willie hasn't played so well for the last few years when he was at the Knights and Manly, but what I've noticed is that ever since Manly has come good Willie was a big part of that. He is still a champion and only Willie can show us that if he plays next year.
The Koomz
Guest
I will miss Big Willie if he has played his last game.
pete bloor
Guest
I think he means arms
pete bloor
Guest
Okay then...
The Barry
Roar Guru
Use of the hands?
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
It could be argued whether it was a shoulder charge,but it certainly wasn't a tackle.No use whatsoever of the hands.
nrlfan
Guest
Really confused over how mason has most probably ended his career. I would love to ask him what memory or legacy he is leaving behind. What are people going to remember him most for? He was great back in his first few seasons when he sported that voluptuous afro. He was known for his hard running and hard hitting. Then he was nothing at roosters and cowboys before realising no one wanted him so he played for a contract at knights and manly. At these two clubs he has been nothing but ordinary. He is not even close to offering any yardage, aggression or enthusiasm on the field in comparison to all these young forwards. For example, i was at the roosters manly game the other night. All the manly fans were cheering for mase as he ran the ball and made a few metres. Who did he run at? Jackson hastings all night. Dylan napa and sam moa on the other hand were running at mase, trobojevic and the other forwards and were making plenty of hard yards. I feel sorry for the guy. He just hasn't lived up to his image and persona that we have witnessed all these years. it would be sad to see him run around again next year.
Onballer
Guest
Yet again IT WAS NOT A SHOULDER CHARGE.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
I reckon Manly should offer him another year. He's proven he can still mix it in the NRL, and Manly aren't exactly flush with big men. I imagine the prop rotation next year will be Myles, Lawrence, Trbojevic and Starling. Not bad, but injuries happen and Mase will hardly break the bank.