Towering Newcastle Knights forward, Willie Mason is excited to be playing Manly on home turf this weekend, but doesn’t want a repeat of a famous clash he witnessed as a young fan at Marathon Stadium 17 years ago.

The 32-year-old says skipper Danny Buderus is getting everyone in the side to buy into the traditional rivalry between the two clubs, especially the younger players who are yet to experience playing against the Sea Eagles.

Mason clearly remembers the massive on-field collision in 1995 between Knights stalwart Paul (The Chief) Harragon and Manly’s Mark (Spud) Carroll. ‘”You know, it’s a bit surreal now that I’ll be donning the number 10 (jersey) and playing for the Knights against Manly, so hopefully that doesn’t happen, but I’ve got great memories of that and obviously the ’97 Grand Final”, he said.





Willie Mason After Today’s Training Session