League: Mason's fitness a headache

Willie Mason

Kangaroos giant Willie Mason is still suffering headaches and dizziness after David Kidwell's king hit and was today rated a doubtful starter by team medical staff for Saturday's Tri-Nations league test in Melbourne.

Mason was yesterday named in coach Ricky Stuart's starting lineup to face the Kiwis at Telstra Dome after scans cleared him of a fractured right eye socket.

But Kangaroos doctor Hugh Hazard confirmed he had to attend to Mason who suffered a blood nose near the end of yesterday's training session.

"Basically he's had a whack in the head and today at training he suffered bleeding from the nostril which is not that surprising," Hazard told Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper.

"He is also having headaches. He hasn't fully recovered from what happened to him.

"It's like anything, it will be a matter of observation over the next few days. If it doesn't settle down, he won't play."

Stuart expressed confidence Mason would be passed fit, while the man himself played down the doctor's concerns.

"Because I had a head clash, I'm still suffering some after-effects but I believe I'll be okay," Mason said.

"I think I'm clear of the headaches now."

Mason was flattened by a front-on tackle from Kidwell, ruled legitimate by referee Ashley Klein, during the Kangaroos' 30-18 win in the series opener in Auckland on Saturday.

His eye was blackened after it came in contact with the back of Kidwell's head.

After the game Mason accused Kidwell of a "cheap shot".

If Mason was ruled out it could give Melbourne Storm prop Antonio Kaufusi a shock test debut only weeks after he opted for the Kangaroos after overtures from the New Zealand Rugby League.

Kaufusi, Tongan-born and New Zealand-raised and therefore eligible for the Kiwis, had the choice of both countries but opted for Australia after the National Rugby League (NRL) grand final.

He was called into the squad yesterday, cutting short a holiday on the Gold Coast.

"(Kaufusi) gives us another big frame. He's a big player who's in good form, he's had a very successful season with his club team and he's had a great year as an individual," Stuart said.

"(Melbourne coach) Craig Bellamy has high hopes for him. He thinks he's got a big future.'

- NZPA