Heath Mason #288

[Papacito]

Not sure how it looked on tv but watching him live, he looked pretty dangerous in attack whenever he had the ball and to me seemed like one of the most likely to 'make something happen'. Very quick and agile and offered something different to Bula.

I'm not going to bag him for struggling under some of the high balls, Whighton put up some booming, wobbly kicks that a lot of first graders would have struggled with.

The kid also showed a lot of heart and took the ball up when we were in trouble. As much as I like Bula, he does go missing when we need our backs to make some tough metres.

Extremely impressive for a bloke who was at high school last year.

 

[J.T]

Was mason more or less vocal marshaling the defensive line. I only ask because south’s usually strip us for numbers on the edges pretty easily.

Was watching him a bit and he was doing quite a lot of yelling and pointing from the back so it def appeared he was a lot more vocal than Bula at the back. Also noticed when he'd get out of position a bit or get caught at marker he'd really sprint hard to get back to where he needed to be. Just wish he'd show that same urgency to catch high balls.

Like a lot of our youngsters there are lot of positives to his game but still some glaring weaknesses to fix to become a genuine first grader.

 

[jadtiger]

I thought he had a decent to good game but i still feel he needs more time developing his skills at a lower level.He is a player who has a good chance of being a permanent fixture in first grade with us if handled correctly

 

[bbobb]

At this point, like most kids, he has attributes and liabilities. The good news is that it looks like his natural attributes (speed, courage, agility) outweigh his liabilities which can all be addressed with the right coaching.

 

[NickyV]

Some quite good signs, some bad ones. Only attempted catching the bombs that were easy, but I would hope a bit of experience and confidence can help in that regard.

I was just glad the big spiral bomb went to Staines, cause I thought Heath would have had no chance.

 

[Fish88]

Mason can play. Wonder if he could play work at centre?

 

[Tiger Stripes]

For his first start, I was impressed. Need to remember that this kid only started playing fullback last year (previously in the halves). With the ball in hand he was lively, dangerous and showed some x factor which we need. Scrambled well to save 1 try off a grubber. The bombs that he did contest, he came up good for most of them from what I remember. He needs to have an aggressive mentality for taking bombs (or drop outs) though. There were far too many that he let bounce. Cherry Evans will be putting them to the skies on Thursday, so he will need to be ready.

That's two seasons to practice bombs in games plus training days. Not sure it will change?
One bomb not contested could be the game changer.
Not confident it can be coached to just go for it.
Bit like coaching Doueihi to defend for 80 min.

 

[Bellend]

The kid in time will be a great utility player for this joint, don't rush his progress, a strong off season will see him get better.

 

[InBenjiWeTrust]

I'm thinking this guy is one of those footballers that will never truly make it but could be a huge asset if used correctly. I reckon we train this guy up at hooker. He then plays 14 covering every position in the backline, gives Api a rest when needed and also provides spark through the middle at lock for small periods.

agree in general, but De Silva must be 14 while we have API

 

[Tigers_Wests]

That's two seasons to practice bombs in games plus training days. Not sure it will change?
One bomb not contested could be the game changer.
Not confident it can be coached to just go for it.
Bit like coaching Doueihi to defend for 80 min.

SG Ball was a 9 game season last year (not sure where he played after that). This year he has been injured and missed a fair chunk of games or played a few utility games off the bench for us (not playing fb in Cup). A full NRL pre-season where he really focuses on catching bombs should help and then hopefully some regular game time in KOE Cup to further his development as a fullback. It could be a confidence thing of getting himself early into the right position to be able to make a good play at it.

 

[AmericanHistoryX]

He created a spark on the weekend. We seemed more lively. Good prospect.

 

[Vicious]

He created a spark on the weekend. We seemed more lively. Good prospect.

Good analysis AHX, we need to get the blonde chick out of the box and get you in.

 

[Red88_Tiger]

Bombs away

 

[Moh]

I don't see a first grade fullback with Heath, but man he is tough as nails.

Would be a handy 14, but we don't have the space for him with TDS/Latu - good for depth for a few positions though.

 

[balmain boy]

I don't see a first grade fullback with Heath, but man he is tough as nails.

Would be a handy 14, but we don't have the space for him with TDS/Latu - good for depth for a few positions though.

He's absolutely a 14, Connie Watson type. In a couple of years. Still too small for NRL, needs time

 

[Vicious]

I don't see a first grade fullback with Heath, but man he is tough as nails.

Would be a handy 14, but we don't have the space for him with TDS/Latu - good for depth for a few positions though.

Spot on Moh.
He has no future as a fullback, but the kid can play and being so young we need to develop him with 2 more years of constant footy as a 6 in NSW Cup and by that time he will have toughened up and will be a valuable utility ready to play more regular NRL.

 

[clontarfkid]

Daine Luarie 2.0
Can't see a future at fb...and we've got a thousand halves..too small for a centre
Not what we need rite now

 

[Bellend]

The kid was trying and at least he tried right till the end spoke to him after the game and he was upset. He really does care about the Tigers shame that more experienced players did not tonight.

 

[Vicious]

The kid was trying and at least he tried right till the end spoke to him after the game and he was upset. He really does care about the Tigers shame that more experienced players did not tonight.

He showed plenty of character.
My understanding is he only started playing fullback 2 years ago, previously being a halfback or 5/8, so it’s not as if he has built confidence catching high balls over a long period of time, he is still in the development phase and it was a big ask being thrown into the role at NRL level and coming from outside our top 30 roster.
I believe he has a great attitude, works extremely hard off the field and is already the pound for pound strongest player in our roster.
I see a massive future for young Heath, but as many keep saying, it will initially be as a utility role similar to how Conner Watson made his name.

 

[The Chad]

Don't destroy his good qualities by playing him at fullback. He's afraid to catch the high kicks.

He needs a position. Play him at centre. And let him play lower grades next season. He's not ready mentally or physically for NRL yet.