Filling the void of Bernard Foley is no easy task, but something which debutant Mack Mason managed to pull off in what was a gutsy performance.
Head coach Daryl Gibson’s summed up the 20-year-old and his time at the Tahs.
“A really calm, cool-headed young kid. (He) has been working really well and he’s really earnt an opportunity to start for us.”
But who is Mack Mason?
The oldest of three boys, Mason spent his childhood in rural town of Mitchell in the Darling Downs region.
“Mum and dad own a cattle property seven hours south-west of Brisbane”, the young playmaker explained.
“We are pretty rural out there me and my two brothers were getting up to a lot of that country stuff like riding motorbikes, doing a bit of pigging, some roo shooting here and there when we found the time. “
A product of the Anglican Church Grammar School, or ‘Churchies’, was among a tough pedigree of sporting talent as part of an undefeated First XV side in 2014.
“Our Churchie team was full of freaks – Kalyn Ponga (North Queensland Cowboys), Harley Fox (Melbourne Rebels), Izaia Perese (Queensland Reds) and our coach Jason Gilmore is now at the Reds as assistant coach.
“A lot of the players from my team went on to do successful things in rugby.”
After a stint down at the Melbourne Storm and filling in for Cooper Cronk when called upon, Mason headed home to Queensland where he was a part of the Queensland Country side in the NRC.
Called up to the Australian U20’s side, Mason played a key part in the historic defeat of the New Zealand U20’s with his contribution of an 82nd minute penalty kick to seal their fate.
Now a part of the Eastern Suburbs Rugby Union Club, Mason has settled nicely into the Way of the Waratah.
“Coming to the Tahs, it has been easy moving down here”, the to-be debutant reflected. “Guys like Rob Horne and Jed Holloway in particular, who make it easier for us really younger guys to fit in.
“Great culture, great blokes and everyone’s in it for each other. There isn’t a bad bloke amongst the players or the coaches so it’s very good.”
And Bernard Foley’s tutelage?
“It’s been really good. He gives an awesome insight to his thought process on the field so he’s definitely been a key help over the last few months.”
We look forward to seeing the talent of Mack Mason flourish in the sky blue of the NSW Waratahs.
