Mason blow for Aussies

Australia will be without their main 'enforcer' for next month's World Cup after Willie Mason was ruled out with a serious knee injury.

Australia 'enforcer' to miss World Cup with knee injury

Australia will be without their main 'enforcer' for next month's World Cup after Willie Mason was ruled out with a serious knee injury. The 28-year-old forward suffered knee ligament damage during Sydney Roosters' 10-0 victory over St George Illawarra on Friday. Mason's injury is so serious that he has already been ruled out of Australia's World Cup bid on home soil as he requires major surgery. Mason could also be facing the prospect of missing out on the start of next season in the National Rugby League. The absence of Mason will be a big blow to Kangeroos coach Ricky Stuart as the powerful forward is one of his team's big-hitters. A controversial figure both off and on the pitch, Mason famously knocked out Stuart Fielden during a Tri-Nations defeat by Great Britain in 2006, for which he received a one-game ban. New Zealand-born Mason is nevertheless an influential figure on the field after 24 games for Australia and he will leave a huge hole to fill for the World Cup. 'Big Willie' will now not be able to try and help Australia lift the World Cup at home when the tournament begins on October 25.