Mason chosen for NRL All Stars - Sydney Morning Herald

Controversial Newcastle prop Willie Mason has received a shock call-up to the NRL All Stars team for rugby league's showpiece pre-season clash against the Indigenous All Stars.

Mason was picked by Knights' mentor and NRL All Stars coach Wayne Bennett to face Laurie Daley's Indigenous team at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on February 9.

Both sides have coach's selections to make up the 20-man squads, with Bennett opting for born-again forward Mason and Melbourne star halfback Cooper Cronk.

Daley chose another comeback kid from the Knights, Timana Tahu, as one of his coach's picks and Canberra rookie Jack Wighton.

The majority of the All Stars team is picked by fans, while the Indigenous team features the best indigenous rugby league players in the country.

Wests Tigers star Benji Marshall will again captain the All Stars team, which features Billy Slater at fullback, Souths halfback Adam Reynolds in the No.7 shirt and Parramatta livewire Jarryd Hayne on the bench.

The Indigenous side is led by Queensland playmaker Johnathan Thurston and features an electric backline including Ben Barba, Justin Hodges, Greg Inglis and Blake Ferguson.

All Stars: Billy Slater (Storm), Akuila Uate (Knights), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Roosters), Josh Morris (Bulldogs), Brett Morris (Dragons), Benji Marshall (capt) (automatic selection) (Wests Tigers), Adam Reynolds (Rabbitohs), James Tamou (Cowboys), Cameron Smith (automatic selection) (Storm), Ben Hannant (Broncos), David Taylor (Titans), Anthony Watmough (Sea Eagles), Paul Gallen (Sharks) Interchange: Robbie Farah (Tigers), Tim Grant (Panthers), David Shillington (Raiders), Feleti Mateo (Warriors), Jarryd Hayne (Eels) Coach's selections: Willie Mason (Knights), Cooper Cronk (Storm).

Indigenous All Stars: Ben Barba (Bulldogs), Reece Robinson (Raiders), Justin Hodges (Broncos), Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs), Blake Ferguson (Raiders), Johnathan Thurston (capt) (Cowboys), Scott Prince (Broncos), George Rose (Sea Eagles), Travis Waddell (Not contracted), Andrew Fifita (Sharks), Joel Thompson (Raiders), Greg Bird (Titans), Nathan Peats (Rabbitohs). Interchange: Ryan James (Titans), Aidan Sezer (Titans), Joel Romelo (Bulldogs), Jake Foster (Raiders). Coach's selections: Dane Nielsen (Warriors), Timana Tahu (Knights), Jack Wighton (Raiders).

AAP

Poll: Does Willie Mason deserve his selection as coach's choice for All Stars?

Yes, he proved himself again in 2012

38%

No, he is just a big personality

38%

Stay out of it, it's Wayne Bennett's choice

24%

Total votes: 171.

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