NRL: Mason to play at Nines

Willie Mason. Photo / Getty Images

Willie Mason has been named in Newcastle's Auckland Nines squad a week after being charged with mid-range drink-driving.

The veteran prop, who has helped promote the inaugural tournament on both sides of the Tasman, failed a random breath test on the Australia Day public holiday last Monday on his way in to training.

Mason is part of a 16-man squad that will be skippered by Jarrod Mullen and includes NSW representatives Akuila Uate and Beau Scott as well as Kiwis back-rower Jeremy Smith.

NRL regulars Dane Gagai, Chris Houston, Robbie Rochow, Joseph Leilua and Tyrone Roberts are also in the squad for the tournament that takes place at Eden Park on February 15-16.

Three clubs have now named their squads, with the Knights joining the Warriors, who are pre-tournament favourites, and Raiders. All clubs must include one of their top-five players as well as 12 of their top 25.

Scott has no doubts the Knights can succeed with the likes of Aku Uate, Dane Gagai, Joey Leilua and NYC graduate Jake Mamo.

"I'm really excited,'' Scott said. "It is an unknown, so it is pretty hard to train for and we haven't focused on it too much but from our side, I think there are a couple of young kids to look out for.

"Other than that, we've got a fair bit of experience.

"I think it will be like the real game of league and everyone will have a role to play. There should be a lot of football played and it will be interesting to see the way it will all unfold.

"I also think everyone is going to be competitive on the day. It's nine-minute halves, so there isn't a long time to be out on the field for. It's going to be pretty electric.''

Newcastle Knights squad for the Auckland Nines at Eden Park on February 15-16: Chanel Mata'utia, Jake Mamo, Dane Gagai, Joseph Leilua, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen (c), Tyrone Roberts, Willie Mason, Adam Clydsdale, Chris Houston, Beau Scott, Robbie Rochow, Jeremy Smith, Michael Dobson, Alex McKinnon, Zane Tetevano.