It’s been five years since Willie Mason last played for NSW, but Country coach Trent Barrett has backed the controversial prop to return against Queensland in the June 5 series opener in Sydney.
The 33-year-old was impressive in Country’s 18-12 win over City in Coffs Harbour on Sunday and back to his colourful best, sledging opponents throughout the game and clocking up 95 metres with the ball in hand.
“He can handle it (Origin) real easy,” Barrett said.
“He’d give you a big 15 minutes. He’s played 20 Tests, lots of Origins. I thought he was terrific.
“We’ve got to win this year. I’d be picking the team that can best do that. It doesn’t matter if they’re 18 or 33. You pick the team that can beat Queensland.
“If you pick Willie he wouldn’t let you down.”
Mason said he is ready to play Origin again and said his performance for Country showed he was still capable of performing at representative level.
“It was a good blow out playing against good props who are vying for my position,” Mason said.
“I think I did the job. I’m satisfied. I think I led from the front.
“I know I can do the job and I think I’ve proven that today.”
The Newcastle front-rower was up against incumbent prop Tim Grant and also Tim Mannah, who played in the 2011 series.
Grant and Mannah both had good games for City and NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley said he was pleased to see some much-needed competition for places in the front-row.
“Willie had some really strong carries today, he was good,” Daley said.
“I thought Grant was good, Mannah was good and Aiden Tolman was good. Andrew Fifita had some strong carries.
“It’s a tough position to play in, I was happy with the way they went.
“We need to have competition for spots and make people hungry. They showed that today.”