Mason rise comes as no surprise

STUART Mason’s ascension to the Intrust Super Cup came as no surprise to the coach who he started the 2019 season with.

Mason, a former St George Illawarra under-20 captain, impressed during the pre-season at Tweed but missed the cut for their Round 1 team.

He was instead forced to prove his worth at Currumbin in the Rugby League Gold Coast competition and he didn’t disappoint.

“He has been fantastic,” said Eagles coach Ryan Gundry.

“He played big minutes for us every week which is a bonus, being able to have an extra rotation of a front-rower that doesn’t need a big spell on the sideline and he did everything that was asked of him.

“That’s the biggest compliment I can give him. He has been influential on our team.”

Mason made his debut in Tweed’s 32-24 weekend win over Ipswich, playing 31 minutes off the bench.

The Seagulls will face Norths Devils this Sunday.