Wake-up call has fired me up – Mason

Feb 28 2008 by Chris Roberts, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TOUGH Giant Keith Mason is hoping his performance against Castleford will convince coach Jon Sharp not to leave him out again!

The 26-year-old prop has admitted his disappointment at being left out of Huddersfield’s Super League side beaten at Bradford Bulls 12 days ago.

But he returned to the fold to help lead the pack in Sunday’s thrashing of Castleford.

And he is hoping he did more than enough to keep his place against Hull at the Galpharm on Sunday (3.00).

“Being left out against Bradford was a bit of a wake-up call, and not a very nice one,” said the former St Helens front-rower, pictured right.

“I hate missing games and I would have loved to have played against Bradford.

“But I’m a great believer that things happen for a reason.

“Sharpy has always expected a lot from me, and he felt I wasn’t doing it. He made that clear to me, so I knew exactly where I stood.

“Fortunately, he showed faith in me by bringing me back into the starting line-up against Castleford, and I would like to think I repaid him with a good performance.

“I was certainly pleased with the way it went. I felt strong, we produced a great team performance to get the win, and I scored only my second try for the Giants in the process!

“I just hope it’s enough to have kept my place to face Hull, which is another massive game for us.”