Willie Mason says the Sea Eagles were in control of their destiny before last Sunday’s mishap against the Parramatta Eels.
Back this week from serving a two game suspension for a shoulder charge, Mason says the team must now rely on a bit of luck to be playing finals footy in September.
The Sea Eagles must beat the Sydney Roosters at Brookvale Oval this Friday night and then the Sharks away in the final round. They also need St George-Illawarra to lose at least one game being two points above them. The Dragons also have a superior 27 points differential on the Sea Eagles.
“(Our season), it is still alive. We have just got to control what we can control. We had control going into the Parramatta game and we have lost it now,’’ Mason said.
“We win these two games and see what happens after Cronulla. If St George fall over or anyone like that, we have done our best and that’s all we can do.”
Mason admitted Friday night’s match would be his last game at Brookvale Oval. He said he was in no rush as to where he would be playing next season.
The former NSW and Australian forward thanked the Sea Eagles Members for their support in his one-year at the club.
“I love the Sea Eagles. The crowd has really embraced me and the way I play and the way I am,’’ Mason added.
“It would be fitting to leave my last game here against the Roosters with a win, so I will be going pretty hard.”
Mason also paid tribute to the ‘warrior like’ performance of hooker Matt Ballin, who returned to the field after suffering an ACL injury in the loss to Parramatta last Sunday.
“(It was) unbelievable. He did his ACL the first time and he has gone off. (Sitting in the dug out), we have thought broken leg or ACL. He has come running back out with his leg strapped and hitting pads and doing zig zags and everything,’’ Mason added.
“He proved to the medical staff he could play, obviously knowing he has done his ACL. You know when you have done it. He went out there and tried to rip in again.
“Ït just shows the testament of the character and what sort of bloke he is.”
Rd 25 Match Day Information
Manly Warringah v Sydney Roosters
Members Recognition Round
Gates open: 5.15pm
NYC Kick-off: 5.30pm
NRL Kick-off: 7.45pm
Tickets
Buy your tickets here. http://bit.ly/1V3uKf9
