Willie Mason [Discussion]

[cktiger]

What's everyones view on Steve Roach's comment that Willie is only a second rower?

I respect his view but at Willie's age and size I thought he might be better suited to front row. He wouldn't be as fast as he once was and obviously we have better options in the back row and lack options in front row. He is definitely big enough for front row. Im sure if his switched on he could make big meters and get some second phrase play going through some offloads.

Frontrowers ain't what they used to be in Roach's day.
You actually had to have scrummaging skill then.
Anybody can pack into a scrum now (and they do) without it making any difference.
They can call him a prop and play him anywhere they want - as long as he makes metres and does some tackling.
Special mention to Happy - Petero is shaking from old age - not fear :laughing:

 

[killa_tigerz]

Y r u focusing on all the bad stuff y not look at the good he will bring to the club. He played for NSW he played for AUSTRALIA where he dominated at both levels he helped lead the bulldogs to a GF win where he won the CLIVE CHURCHILL MEDAL. He will go out and will prove all doubters wrong
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[Joel Helmes]

Yeah I thought Roach's comments were a little strange, Willie has played both positions without too much trouble and as jas83 said he's certainly big enough to play there for the Tigers!

 

[Pawesome]

If you can sign a player like Mason you do it.. sure everyone has an opinion of him but you cant doubt his results on the field and if he comes with a passion to play he will defiantly be an asset..

Besides everyone looks better in the Black White and Orange..

 

[Guest]

Willie Mason says he still has three years of good football left in his rugby league career

The Daily Telegraph
March 20, 2012 7:28AM
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As Wests Tigers emerged as his most likely NRL saviour, Willie Mason revealed a desire to emulate former Canterbury-Bankstown teammate Steve Price and play into his mid-30s.

Almost two months of speculation surrounding Mason's comeback finally crystallised on Monday when Tigers boss Stephen Humphreys confirmed the joint-venture club was in talks to immediately sign the colourful 32-year-old.

The Daily Telegraph understands Tigers and Australia coach Tim Sheens initiated discussions about a two-year deal earlier this month.

There was originally some concern from figures above but two consecutive defeats in which young Tigers props Matt Groat and Aaron Woods were dominated appear to have quashed opposition to the former Blues enforcer heading to Concord.

The loss of international duo Gareth Ellis (cork) and Keith Galloway (toe) has weakened the Tigers' depth up front.

Thanks to a concerted personal training regimen, Mason has dropped 5kg since returning to Australia in late January from an unfulfilling stint in French rugby.

The Daily Telegraph found him on Monday evening in Centennial Park, completing a one-hour session with sprint coach Roger Fabri.

Mason said he had always believed his NRL return would happen this year.

"It's not like I'm 36 and washed up," the 115kg prop said. "I've still got three years left in me. Pricey (Steve Price) was still running around when he was 35 and he'd have gone another year if not for injury.

"And then you look at Petero (Civoniceva). He's still going great at almost 36 as well. If I thought I was no good I could just retire and sink into some media work.

"But I want to play on and I've always believed I can still compete at the highest level."

Humphreys said the deal could be finalised as soon as this week - pending talks with sponsors, players and the NRL.

"People have said for months now that we are talking to Willie or have signed him," Humphreys said. "We haven't. But it is fair to say we have had some loose discussions with him over the last couple of weeks. I am not sure where it will go.

"I dare say in the next week or so we will come to some conclusion."

Mason was in a near-identical exile during the 2010 off-season, when Sydney Roosters coach Brian Smith cut him from Bondi Junction. He found an 11th-hour home at North Queensland Cowboys, where he played every game and represented Country Origin.

"That was a worse circumstance than this because I hadn't touched a football (in) six months," Mason said.

"And I went out and had one of my best seasons.

"This time I kept pretty fit in France and only had two weeks off when I came home."

Fabri admitted to having doubts about Mason's ability to regain his athleticism, but said he had progressed remarkably over the past month.

"I've trained a lot of the guys from the Bulldogs like Sonny Bill Williams, Braith Anasta, Reni Maitua, Willie Tonga and Mase," Fabri said.

"They all have an incredible work ethic and it clearly comes from the culture at that club about a decade ago.

"Willie's going really good. He probably wouldn't mind me saying that he has proved me wrong."

 

[happy_tiger]

Y r u focusing on all the bad stuff y not look at the good he will bring to the club. He played for NSW he played for AUSTRALIA where he dominated at both levels he helped lead the bulldogs to a GF win where he won the CLIVE CHURCHILL MEDAL. He will go out and will prove all doubters wrong
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All of that was a long time ago football wise The CC medal was 2004 and SOO was 2006 I think

 

[simonthetiger]

The last year he played for the cow gals he was a standout.

 

[Huss_Jebzz]

Whether you like him or not,we need him,and I for one would be happy with that,we need him now and later when everyone is fit competition for spots in the team should promote good footy.

Thats right well said.
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[Tigerdale]

i remember willie getting a MOTM award as a front rower.

i backed him at $11 on the TAB.
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only problem was it was like 6 years ago :laughing:

 

[GNR4LIFE]

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/wests-tigers-on-the-verge-of-signing-clubless-star-willie-mason/story-e6frexnr-1226304374697?from=public_js

Some of the comments are amusing. There realy are a lot of clueless individuals around

 

[peatea]

I agree with RatedRKO - match payments this year and then see where he is at at the end of the year before offering a contract?? Imagine seeing Big Red and Willie packing the scrum together! The challenge, and an experienced head next to them could also be what the young props need!!

 

[tigermaniac]

To many perfect people making comments on people's past. I'm not perfect and I might make the wrong call. For the right price, sign him tommorrow. Get SBW while your at it.
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[Ghost_of_skando]

Look the reason I'm a newcomer to this setup is because I"m old and don't really know much about this computer stuff. I do know that following the tigers has not been an easy call for a long time in terms of winning premierships. West supporters who joined us even longer. So in 2005, when we won the premiership,can anyone tell me who provideed the mongrel in the team? I can't understand this fascination with Willie. If he was playing well or at an age where we could develop something, then maybe yes. But this guy is an idiot and unsigned for a reason. Signing him to win a few games this year,and whether or not he provides, or the regular normal true West tigers win those games, is so questionable. Turn to his manger, Greg Keenan, on wikipedia and you find there are question marks about his involvemnet with bribery and theNIgerian Soccer side , as well as question marks about contracts with Matt Giteau from Rugby union…... the list of reasons as to why not get involved far outway the positives. Ihave spoken to three older WEst Tigers supporters, @ wests, 1 balmain) who have maintained their allegiance to the club with the amalgamtion. We stayed with the clubs through all the desperate years and wooden spooons. We all would prefer to lose for another season or two while we developed our own youngsters rather then support a team with Willie Mason. You won't have to worry about barring me from this site for showing dissension to the few people who run it. And yes I never always agree with Steve Roach, so shoot me for quoting him, but sometimes you need to listen to people who have played a game or two, and my elderly West supporters friends have played for the club before returning to the bush, and they are willing to turn their back on the club if Mason is signed. No great loss I hear you say, but these guys have suported the club for longer then I've been alive, and supported them most especially when they were losing..... Theses people that walk away from the club won't be able to be measured, they are not loud mouthes like myself who take the time to voice their worthless opinion

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Skando your missing the point. ATM we have NOBODY. We need all the help we can get. He isn't being signed due to the fact we think he is a superstar, there is just no one else available atm. We got the crap bashed out of us by Saints of all tems. Weyman looked like Tony Williams. We need grunt and experience atm. Mason may not be the best option, but he's the only option available.

 

[Ghost_of_skando]

Yeah very amusing grn4life, things like people saying Willie Mason is a great front rower, or that " I had a bet on willie when he won man of the match once" surely this is what Timmy sheen is basing his recruitment on. How amusing!!!!

 

[cktiger]

Look the reason I'm a newcomer to this setup is because I"m old and don't really know much about this computer stuff. I do know that following the tigers has not been an easy call for a long time in terms of winning premierships. West supporters who joined us even longer. So in 2005, when we won the premiership,can anyone tell me who provideed the mongrel in the team? I can't understand this fascination with Willie. If he was playing well or at an age where we could develop something, then maybe yes. But this guy is an idiot and unsigned for a reason. Signing him to win a few games this year,and whether or not he provides, or the regular normal true West tigers win those games, is so questionable. Turn to his manger, Greg Keenan, on wikipedia and you find there are question marks about his involvemnet with bribery and theNIgerian Soccer side , as well as question marks about contracts with Matt Giteau from Rugby union…... the list of reasons as to why not get involved far outway the positives. Ihave spoken to three older WEst Tigers supporters, @ wests, 1 balmain) who have maintained their allegiance to the club with the amalgamtion. We stayed with the clubs through all the desperate years and wooden spooons. We all would prefer to lose for another season or two while we developed our own youngsters rather then support a team with Willie Mason. You won't have to worry about barring me from this site for showing dissension to the few people who run it. And yes I never always agree with Steve Roach, so shoot me for quoting him, but sometimes you need to listen to people who have played a game or two, and my elderly West supporters friends have played for the club before returning to the bush, and they are willing to turn their back on the club if Mason is signed. No great loss I hear you say, but these guys have suported the club for longer then I've been alive, and supported them most especially when they were losing..... Theses people that walk away from the club won't be able to be measured, they are not loud mouthes like myself who take the time to voice their worthless opinion

Hey Ghost - I wouldn't be getting disheartened copping a jibe or two on here.
Plenty of people have differing opinions and sometimes get quite heated in their exchanges.
Most of us will argue our point (sometimes repeatedly) and don't get personal (calling people idiots etc just for having a different opinion).
On the other hand some try to score points and puff up their egos by belittling other people.
It would be a shame for your mates , or yourself or anybody else to stop supporting our team because they have a player who is a bit of a loose cannon playing for them.
Have a look at who plays for some of the other teams!
Would you be jumping ship if we kept Lui?
If charges against him are proven he'll make Mason look like a choir boy.
Mason is a human headline - but not as bad as he's made out.
Don't give up your passion over something you can't control.
The team was there before Mason and will be there long after he's gone.
PS I 'd find it impossible to cheer for $BW if he played for us - but I'd still support my team.

 

[innsaneink]

Look the reason I'm a newcomer to this setup is because I"m old and don't really know much about this computer stuff. I do know that following the tigers has not been an easy call for a long time in terms of winning premierships. West supporters who joined us even longer. So in 2005, when we won the premiership,can anyone tell me who provideed the mongrel in the team? I can't understand this fascination with Willie. If he was playing well or at an age where we could develop something, then maybe yes. But this guy is an idiot and unsigned for a reason. Signing him to win a few games this year,and whether or not he provides, or the regular normal true West tigers win those games, is so questionable. Turn to his manger, Greg Keenan, on wikipedia and you find there are question marks about his involvemnet with bribery and theNIgerian Soccer side , as well as question marks about contracts with Matt Giteau from Rugby union…... the list of reasons as to why not get involved far outway the positives. Ihave spoken to three older WEst Tigers supporters, @ wests, 1 balmain) who have maintained their allegiance to the club with the amalgamtion. We stayed with the clubs through all the desperate years and wooden spooons. We all would prefer to lose for another season or two while we developed our own youngsters rather then support a team with Willie Mason. You won't have to worry about barring me from this site for showing dissension to the few people who run it. And yes I never always agree with Steve Roach, so shoot me for quoting him, but sometimes you need to listen to people who have played a game or two, and my elderly West supporters friends have played for the club before returning to the bush, and they are willing to turn their back on the club if Mason is signed. No great loss I hear you say, but these guys have suported the club for longer then I've been alive, and supported them most especially when they were losing..... Theses people that walk away from the club won't be able to be measured, they are not loud mouthes like myself who take the time to voice their worthless opinion

I assume you were around when Hoppa, Field & Buddha were doing their things…..much worse than Willies ever done.
And its willie were talking about, not his manager
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anyway, fwiw...I dont think its going to happen

 

[cktiger]

**I assume you were around when Hoppa, Field & Buddha were doing their things…..much worse than Willies ever done.
And its willie were talking about, not his manager**
That's the thing Ink - why such the big outpouring of hatred from so many people for someone who's only done a few stupid things?
Just because he attracts a headline more than the others- that's why.
If it had been Nate Miles or Carney there wouldn't be half as much of an outcry.
Give the guy a chance to show us he wants to be here.

 

[Tiger_Watto]

I feel your only looking for reasons why we shouldn't sign him… The Club has had bigger mugs playing for them. Remember a guy called Hopoate? Further more, I highly doubt many on here really have any idea what he has actually done wrong off the field. Many are basing their opinions on media hype and nursery rhymes...

At the end of the day, we need some starch in the forwards. I don't think Willie Mason the Footballer has let too many people down on the paddock in the past. One thing I have also noticed, is the older the forwards get, the more effective they get. They may not set the world on fire like the runaway bulls, but they make there meters, make there tackles and they pick themselves off the deck when there team needs them most.

I was very impressed with Masons stint at the Cowboys. He was regularly in there Top 5 most weeks and I don't think its just a coincidence that a guy called Matt Scott becomes the premier Prop of the game the year after Mason moved on.

Give him a go and if he doesn't work, send him to the Magpies!!!

 

[Gothetigers]

Look the reason I'm a newcomer to this setup is because I"m old and don't really know much about this computer stuff. I do know that following the tigers has not been an easy call for a long time in terms of winning premierships. West supporters who joined us even longer. So in 2005, when we won the premiership,can anyone tell me who provideed the mongrel in the team? I can't understand this fascination with Willie. If he was playing well or at an age where we could develop something, then maybe yes. But this guy is an idiot and unsigned for a reason. Signing him to win a few games this year,and whether or not he provides, or the regular normal true West tigers win those games, is so questionable. Turn to his manger, Greg Keenan, on wikipedia and you find there are question marks about his involvemnet with bribery and theNIgerian Soccer side , as well as question marks about contracts with Matt Giteau from Rugby union…... the list of reasons as to why not get involved far outway the positives. Ihave spoken to three older WEst Tigers supporters, @ wests, 1 balmain) who have maintained their allegiance to the club with the amalgamtion. We stayed with the clubs through all the desperate years and wooden spooons. **We all would prefer to lose for another season or two while we developed our own youngsters rather then support a team with Willie Mason.** You won't have to worry about barring me from this site for showing dissension to the few people who run it. And yes I never always agree with Steve Roach, so shoot me for quoting him, but sometimes you need to listen to people who have played a game or two, and my elderly West supporters friends have played for the club before returning to the bush, and they are willing to turn their back on the club if Mason is signed. No great loss I hear you say, but these guys have suported the club for longer then I've been alive, and supported them most especially when they were losing..... Theses people that walk away from the club won't be able to be measured, they are not loud mouthes like myself who take the time to voice their worthless opinion

Whilst you and your mates are happy to wait for our team to develop youngters many stakeholders ie Supporters and Sponsors always want success. If there is no success the people that are made the scapegoats are the CEO and the coach. The club is under pressure to perform and obviously the coach does not believe we have a player coming through or a player to fall back on (like Skando in the past). Barring Willie playing out of his skin I doubt he would actually be in our starting team. It's up to players like Groat, Woods and BMM to perform, there is no pressure on these guys to perform P.S Not trying to have a go at you just stating why I think Sheens would be looking at Willie. There are people on here who want Sheens sacked each game if we don't win by 30!