atomic_crimson
30-09-2005, 07:35 AM
i was asked in another thread whether i thought mason should be in the test squads.... i read this article... which i think u may like!
WILLIE Mason says Australia selectors must pick Wests Tigers prop John Skandalis, even though it could be at the Bulldogs star's expense.
There are fears the Tigers, favourites to claim the premiership after their blistering late-season form, could be overlooked for Kangaroos jerseys in the Tri-Nations series even if they win Sunday's grand final against North Queensland.
But Mason said Skandalis should be one of the first players picked for Australia.
"You can't not pick him," Mason said today.
"He has been one of the best forwards all season and is one of the reasons the Tigers have come so far.
"Skando has been absolutely sensational for them and it's about time he got rewarded."
The irony is that if Mason gets his wish, he could be the man to make way for the gritty Tigers veteran.
Mason was selected for the Australia train-on squad, despite playing just nine games this season owing to the foot injury suffered on national duty last year,
There are already five front rowers in that 29-man squad - Mark O'Meley, Steve Price, Joel Clinton, Petero Civoniceva and Mason - with last year's Clive Churchill medallist in danger of missing out when the Australia squad of 23 is named on Monday.
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"I've only played a handful of games this year and the fact we (the Bulldogs) haven't had a great year could count against me," Mason said.
"That's understandable, we're watching teams play some great football through the finals, while guys like me are sitting on the sidelines.
"If we had made (the finals), then six or seven of us would be picked, so I know they're looking at guys playing on Sunday.
"There's been a lot of talk in the media about them (the grand finalists) being snubbed for the Tests, but I reckon six or seven blokes will still get a start, six or seven always make it.
"Both sides have got guys that deserve their chance, guys like Skando and Luke O'Donnell have been outstanding. They're guys who deserve a call-up."
Despite playing towards the back end of the season, Mason said he was still troubled by the foot injury which kept him sidelined for most of the year, casting further doubt on his Tri-Nations chances.
"It's still not 100 per cent," he admitted.
"It will be right by round one next year, to get a full pre-season in, it just needs rest."
Asked if he would be fit for the Test matches if selected, he said: "It will get me through, I just can't get through the full training all week - just low-impact stuff on my foot before I have to play."
WILLIE Mason says Australia selectors must pick Wests Tigers prop John Skandalis, even though it could be at the Bulldogs star's expense.
There are fears the Tigers, favourites to claim the premiership after their blistering late-season form, could be overlooked for Kangaroos jerseys in the Tri-Nations series even if they win Sunday's grand final against North Queensland.
But Mason said Skandalis should be one of the first players picked for Australia.
"You can't not pick him," Mason said today.
"He has been one of the best forwards all season and is one of the reasons the Tigers have come so far.
"Skando has been absolutely sensational for them and it's about time he got rewarded."
The irony is that if Mason gets his wish, he could be the man to make way for the gritty Tigers veteran.
Mason was selected for the Australia train-on squad, despite playing just nine games this season owing to the foot injury suffered on national duty last year,
There are already five front rowers in that 29-man squad - Mark O'Meley, Steve Price, Joel Clinton, Petero Civoniceva and Mason - with last year's Clive Churchill medallist in danger of missing out when the Australia squad of 23 is named on Monday.
Advertisement:
"I've only played a handful of games this year and the fact we (the Bulldogs) haven't had a great year could count against me," Mason said.
"That's understandable, we're watching teams play some great football through the finals, while guys like me are sitting on the sidelines.
"If we had made (the finals), then six or seven of us would be picked, so I know they're looking at guys playing on Sunday.
"There's been a lot of talk in the media about them (the grand finalists) being snubbed for the Tests, but I reckon six or seven blokes will still get a start, six or seven always make it.
"Both sides have got guys that deserve their chance, guys like Skando and Luke O'Donnell have been outstanding. They're guys who deserve a call-up."
Despite playing towards the back end of the season, Mason said he was still troubled by the foot injury which kept him sidelined for most of the year, casting further doubt on his Tri-Nations chances.
"It's still not 100 per cent," he admitted.
"It will be right by round one next year, to get a full pre-season in, it just needs rest."
Asked if he would be fit for the Test matches if selected, he said: "It will get me through, I just can't get through the full training all week - just low-impact stuff on my foot before I have to play."