League: Mason ruled out, Thaiday to make debut

After a week of firing from the lip, giant Kangaroos forward Willie Mason's ammunition ran out today when he was ruled out of the Tri-Nations rugby league test against the Kiwis here tomorrow night.

Kangaroos doctor Hugh Hazard confirmed Mason's withdrawal due to continuing headaches after he was felled by a David Kidwell tackle during Australia's 30-18 victory in the series opener against New Zealand in Auckland last weekend.

It means a test debut for Brisbane forward Sam Thaiday, who was called up to the Kangaroos bench by coach Ricky Stuart, with Canterbury Bulldogs prop Mark O'Meley moving to the starting 13.

In a much-needed pre-match boost for the Kiwis, Stuart admitted Mason left a big hole in his side.

"You always miss a great player, and Willie's a great player in my mind," Stuart said.

"He brings a lot to a football team, but we've got to make do without him and it's up to the players to show whether we miss him or not."

Stuart said his team were prepared for Mason's withdrawal after he showed continuing after-effects at training this week.

Hazard said Mason suffered "severe concussion", was still having headaches today and was four times more likely to suffer further head injuries if he played tomorrow.

Mason had been a walking headline this week, labelling Kidwell's head-on tackle a "cheap shot", saying Kidwell didn't have the Kangaroos' respect, and swearing at Kiwis fullback Brent Webb during last weekend's haka.

He later explained he was making fun of Webb because he was an Australian-born Torres Strait Islander performing a Maori challenge.

Thaiday, who played a big role in Queensland's State of Origin series win this year and the Broncos' National Rugby League grand final victory, will be the second Kangaroos debutant tomorrow alongside Sydney Roosters forward Anthony Tupou.

- NZPA