NEW recruit Willie Mason has promised to bring mongrel and intimidation to Manly’s NRL pack, filling a gap left by good friend Anthony Watmough.

As the 34-year-old Mason arrived at Manly in the frenzy of off-season transfers, Watmough moved to cross-town rivals Parramatta, meaning there will be plenty to talk about when the two sides meet in 2015.

Sledging aside, Mason admitted at the club’s 2015 jersey launch on Thursday that he would have preferred to play alongside Watmough.

“Me and Choc (Watmough) go way back. He has been great for Manly, he is a Narrabeen kid, it is a shame to see him go,” Mason said.

“I would have love to have come here and Choccy be here but nothing works out perfectly.

“He is one of a few guys who have left and I am confident we can fill that hole.

“I bring some mongrel and a bit of intimidation.

“We have the best backline in the comp and the back-row speaks for itself.

“We have got heaps of players who can do the job, they just had to tighten up the front row, and that’s where I come in.” Key forwards Glenn Stewart (South Sydney) and Jason King (retired) have also departed from Brookvale.

Mason

And Feleti Mateo, Siosaia Vave and Zane Tetevano have moved to the Sea Eagles alongside Mason.

Mason was speaking while decked out in Manly’s new home strip for next year, a throwback to their inaugural jersey of 1947. The former Canterbury, Sydney Roosters, North Queensland, Hull KR and Newcastle forward said he was looking forward to his 16th season in the NRL.

“I have been playing against them (Manly) for the last 15 years and for the last 10 years they have been one of the premier clubs of the competition.

“They are either in grand finals or playing for a grand final or winning them. I feel privileged to be a part of it,” Mason said. “I do bring that experience they need and the way Manly play, they play pretty tough and pretty ruthless, I love that.”

media_camera Willie Mason makes his first appearance at the Sea Eagles.

Sea Eagles fans approved of their latest signing saying the larger than life character will bring some personality back to the club:

@mase21 great to see you in Manly colours. Welcome to the Fortress #GoManly — Mario Recuero (@recuerom) November 6, 2014

Originally published as Mason: I bring mongrel and intimidation