Mason proving doubters wrong

Newcastle Knights forward Willie Mason says he always knew he was capable of playing well in the NRL even though he has been out of the competition for 18 months.

Mason’s solid contributions for the Knights since signing have surprised many critics.

He said, “There’s always going to be critics and I suppose it is good to shut a few people up and show them that I could actually play again. I never stopped believing in myself and I always had that faith, even after being out of the game for 18 months.

“I just needed a break to rejuvenate and get that hunger back to play again and sitting on the French Riviera for a year does that.”

Despite being 32, Mason said he was nearing his peak fitness.

He said, “I’m back now and I’m hungrier than ever. I don’t feel 32 at all, my body is still in good nick and I’m motivated and in the right space mentally which is important.”

Mason will look to feature in the Knights Monday night game at home to the West Tigers.