The NSW Waratahs are backing greenhorn five-eighth Mack Mason to shock the Super Rugby world if Bernard Foley is ruled out of Sunday’s showdown with the Crusaders.
With Foley in extreme doubt as he continues to battle post-concussion symptoms, 21-year-old Mason has emerged as the surprise frontrunner to replace the Wallabies playmaker.
Coach Daryl Gibson won’t name his team until Friday, but winger Andrew Kellaway appeared to let the cat out of the bag on Thursday when he predicted the little-known Mason would have “everyone eating their words this weekend”.
Kellaway confidently dismissed the notion that no Foley meant no hope for the Waratahs against the undefeated table-toppers from Christchurch.
“He’s Bernard. Bernard’s obviously a great player and he was great for us last week, but Mack Mason’s a phenomenal young footballer and he’s going to be good this weekend,” Kellaway said.
“You say pressure, but I think it’s probably the opposite. Everyone by the sound of things might have already written him off, so how good’s that.
“He’s an underdog and a great footballer so it’s going to be awesome to see everyone eating their words.”
He may be unheralded to casual observers, but Mason isn’t lacking pedigree.
A product of Brisbane’s rugby nursery, the Anglican Church Grammar School, commonly known as “Churchie”, the Cairns-born flyhalf represented Queensland through the age groups before having a stint with the Melbourne Storm in the 2015 under-20s competition.
Last year, upon his return to rugby, he helped the Australian under-20s side to a rare win over New Zealand.
“He’s from very, very rural Queensland so he’s a quiet little thing, but he’s tough as nails and very confident so it’s going to be awesome,” Kellaway said.
“Look, I’m sure he’s going to get some traffic (run at him) but he’s a tough kid. I’m sure he’s up for it.”
After suffering a setback following his eye-catching return in NSW’s 32-25 comeback win over the Melbourne Rebels last Saturday night, Foley trained on both Wednesday and Thursday.
But Waratahs assistant coach Nathan Grey said the influential playmaker remained a day-to-day proposition.
If scratched, David Horwitz shapes as the other contender to fill Foley’s No.10 jumper at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
Horwitz started at inside centre against the Rebels but often served as first-receiver before running a great line to deliver the match-winning try after the siren.
Kellaway said his Randwick clubmate also wouldn’t disappoint if asked to cover for Foley.
“To sort of be on the outer for the first couple of weeks, not getting much game time, then to come straight in and do that, I’m just super, super proud to see him do that,” Kellaway said of Horwitz.
“I’ve only ever really played with Dave at 10, or for the most part, so I know him as a 10 so that’s his go.”
Cynical Play
Roar Rookie
return of the Paul OMFG
FunBus
Roar Rookie
Wow; 'shock the SR world', eh? With David Lord's article as well, it is clear that a superhuman cross between Dan Carter, Stephen Larkham, Jonny Wilkinson and Barry John is about to take the field - can't wait!!
taylorman
Guest
Yes very raw but it's gotta be done. As well as coming up with a million solutions to improve Oz rugby trying new players has got to be in there somewhere. This just could throw up something interesting. I certainly hope so.
cs
Roar Guru
Not in my opinion Unc. The anti-Big Will syndrome that frequently surfaces around these parts reflects poorly on Roarers as far as I'm concerned. I'm admittedly less enamored of Dean Mumm, but he's handy enough, and capable of rather thrilling surprises now and again. Game looks a lost cause, but hope always springs: Go the Tahs!
Cynical Play
Guest
came out of Nastyville..
Uncle Eric
Guest
'Forwards look great' really CS? With Skelton and Mumm in the second row, not that good.
Winston
Guest
Hegarty should not be in the squad. He has not been playing well, and the results show this in his games this year - he does not control the game at all.
Boomeranga
Guest
Where you from Paul?
Boomeranga
Guest
We are young / inexperienced across the park and were always going to be this year. I don't mind them losing if we look like we are trying something, and by my count 14/23 are newbies and worth the run. I'm happy they are playing blokes like they are.
Boomeranga
Guest
I like that you have a greyhound as an atavar and you think about stayers.
Daveski
Guest
There's actually some bloody good young footballers in that backline, whether they prove to be big/physical/defensively committed enough time will tell. But that Crusaders backline 'ain't all that' either - old Digby probably been their best. Bridges, Hunt, Drummond are small.
RubberLegs
Guest
Heggarty is playing well at #10 and getting better with every game. Gibson is losing it. Foley needs to have a year off; his courageous style reminds me of Elton Flatley who wisely retired before suffering serious damage? I hope the NSWRU is putting Bernard first.
Paul
Guest
That's a HORRENDOUS backline. .Midgets Dwarfs and Turnstyles galore.. hahaha.. NO CHANCE
Paul
Guest
Return of the MACK..OMG
Jock Cornet
Guest
Yeah it would have been great if it was the soft reds or force but the crusaders omg. Player management., I hope he is the next Ella . If he has any ability he will pass the myth of qc and walk into the wallabies.
Jock Cornet
Guest
Agree this will be like a schoolboy side vs a grade side. 30 plus the crusader backs will find holes all thru this backline and even Izzy will look stupid In defence . This will be a comprehensive thrashing . Follow this with the reds thrashing and rebels thrashings. Going to lay 25 plus multis.
Jock Cornet
Guest
Oh great then all the best and I hope he has a blinder. Easts need a gun 5/8. Cs might see ya at uni then. Can't wait to watch him play then if he is that good.
cs
Roar Guru
Holy moley! The forwards look great; the backs are a raffle.
Cynical Play
Guest
NSW Waratahs: Cam Clark, Reece Robinson, Israel Folau, David Horwitz, Andrew Kellaway, Mack Mason, Jake Gordon, Jed Holloway, Michael Hooper, Ned Hanigan, Will Skelton, Dean Mumm, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Tom Robertson. Reserves: Damien Fitzpatrick, Paddy Ryan, David Lolohea, David McDuling, Michael Wells, Nick Phipps, Irae Simone, Taqele Naiyaravoro. Bloody Hell !! Take Izzy out and that is a very inexperienced back line. Talented, yes. But Crusaders in the wet might be too much. No doubt Hooper and Kepu, Holloway, Hanigan will match it in the loose, but the backline defence without Horne and Foley will be difficult. Find myself dreaming of the JacPot, AAC days,
cinque
Roar Rookie
Hey, didn't he just win the 400 freestyle in Rio? He's a stayer