KEITH MASON has admitted beating Wigan at Murrayfield on his 100th Giants appearance tomorrow would be the latest highlight of a memorable four years at the Galpharm Stadium.
The 28-year-old prop made his Huddersfield debut in a 19-16 home Super League triumph over former club St Helens on May 7, 2006.
Since then he has gone on to enjoy some memorable times as a Giant.
As a result, Mason would have loved to have completed a century of Huddersfield starts at the Galpharm.
But he knows there are far worse venues to chalk up such a major landmark, although he also realises the occasion would be ruined if the Giants don’t get the victory over the Super League leaders.
“It’s a big game, a big occasion and played on a massive stage, so everything is in place for it to be a very memorable day in my career,” said Mason.
“All that remains to be done now is for us to go out and beat Wigan! That’s what I want more than anything to make my 100th game special.
“This move to Huddersfield has been great for me and I’ve been involved in some very memorable matches, and I’m confident this game against Wigan at Murrayfield could help continue that theme.
“To be honest, it’s hard to pinpoint one moment as being the highlight, because there have been so many. Being part of the Giants side that beat Leeds in the Challenge Cup semi-final in 2006 and then beating Saints in the semi last year have to be right up there, as does playing at Wembley in last season’s final, although the fact we lost to Warrington spoilt that one a bit.
“But I suppose it was better than the time before when I missed the Twickenham final against St Helens through injury. That was another low point.
“On top of that, I’ve been involved in play-off games with the club on the back of some great League seasons, so there’s no doubt there have been far more ups than downs.
“When I think how much this club has progressed in the time I’ve been here, it’s almost amazing, and I’m sure that improvement can continue.
“I know how much my game has improved under Nathan (Brown), and that’s also the case for everyone else in the squad as well.
“I’ve had a new lease of life under him, and I’m really enjoying the way he’s got us playing.
“We may be up against the team that’s at the top of the table tomorrow, but we’re confident that if we play to the best of our ability and continue to work hard for each other we can be successful.
“Wigan are a quality side, and there’s no doubt it could prove a fantastic game.
“They have been consistently strong this season and will provide us with a big challenge down the middle.
“But we’ll be ready for that.
“Every side has a strong pack. I honestly thought Crusaders last week were as strong as any we’ve faced so far this season.
“We did well against them and intend to do well against Wigan.”
