Photos: Transtasman test - 10 to watchKEY POINTS:
SYDNEY - Welcome back, Willie.
It was standing room only as Australian rugby league's human headline Willie Mason was unleashed on the media for a one-off show yesterday ahead of the centenary test against the Kiwis on Friday.
Mason couldn't resist a jibe at David Kidwell over `that
tackle' in 2006, spoke of how he relished being the Kiwis' enemy No 1, and praised Roy Asotasi over the player coup that led to the Stephen Kearney-Wayne Bennett coaching union.
Auckland-born Mason, a 23-test veteran, claimed he "didn't care" that Kidwell's huge front-on tackle which flattened him in the 2006 Tri-Nations test continued to be raised when the sides meet.
"I've played plenty of tests, it's probably a highlight for David Kidwell in his test career," he said.
"I go out and just play every test. I know they pump up because I'm playing, and I pump up the same.
"It's not like I don't ever play good tests just because he put one good shot on me."
The pair won't get to renew their on-field rivalry, with Kidwell omitted this week from Kearney's playing 17 and Mason named on the Kangaroos bench.
Mason played in the 58-0 drubbing of the Kiwis in their last meeting in Wellington last October but said that carried no significance this week.
"They've got Sonny (Bill Williams) back, they've got a lot of senior players.
"They learned a lot from that and we're expecting a totally different side."
Asotasi's public no-confidence vote in former coach Gary Kemble was what the Kiwis needed, Mason said.
"I think it was a great step for New Zealand rugby league. It was a great show from Roy and the leadership group. They weren't happy with the coach and the results weren't the best.
"Wayne (Bennett's) a great mentor and he's a great person. He can really get the best out of people.
"He knows the right buttons to push before games and I think he's going to do a lot for New Zealand."
Having played under Bennett for the Kangaroos, Mason said his first task would be to restore pride in the black jersey.
Mason was intent on talking up the Kiwis' strength, naming Williams, Asotasi and his Roosters teammates Setaimata Sa and Iosia Soliola as players to watch.
And he even felt halfback Thomas Leuluai's late arrival from England, just over 48 hours from kickoff, could work in the Kiwis' favour.
"Knowing the players that have come into (State of Origin) camps and produced man-of-the-match performances on short preparation ... I don't think you need a week for a game like this.
"He knows what sort of game it is, and what sort of part he's got to play in the game. He's been around for a while and played a couple of tests.
"Probably in his favour is there's not that much pressure on him. He comes in for a couple of days, plays a test then flies home."
- NZPA