Mason ready to run with fierce pack

Willie Mason believes with the additions of Jeremy Smith, Beau Scott and David Fa’alogo, the Newcastle Knights will field an impressive team in 2013.

“There are six or seven players that have won a premiership in our Club,” the second rower said.

“A lot of players who have played for Australia, Origin and New Zealand, won World Cups and lost World Cups.

“When I came through the Bulldogs we always had a fearsome pack and I think next year that is what we will be bringing on the field.

“And I am happy to don the number ten and run out with them.”

While it took the team awhile to become a cohesive unit last season he is confident that won’t be a problem this time around.

“Everybody has clicked already,” he said.

“They all know what Wayne’s (Bennett) about and we are all going to buy in to that and hopefully that will bring results.

“Newcastle people are expecting results with the team we have got.

“And we have pretty high expectations but we will have to see how the year pans out.”

Re-signing with the Knights for another two season on Thursday, Mason said for years he has battled it out against his new teammates and is looking forward to having them on his side for a change.

“Jeremy Smith and Beau Scott are two players I don’t really like playing against and now they are on my side so that is always a bonus,” he said.

“Same goes with David Fa’alogo, they are three players who are pretty well respected in the game and tough blokes.

“I have had some pretty good battles with them and now we will be battling together.”

Since joining the Knights, Mason has been praised by coach Wayne Bennett and his teammates for his leadership qualities.

“We have a great bunch of leaders who have been around for a lot of years,” the 32-year-old added.

“They can teach all the young kids by not just what they say but what they do.

“We have a really good leadership group and I am happy to be apart of the group and help out.”

The Knights officially commence pre-season training on Monday.