Mason loss clips Roosters for Broncos showdown
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Bitter blow... Willie Mason limps off the field with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. (AAP: Robb Cox)
Sydney Roosters coach Brad Fittler has paid tribute to the impact of key forward Willie Mason, who limped out of the club's pivotal 10-0 victory over the Dragons on Friday night.
Mason snapped his anterior cruciate ligament on the sodden Sydney Football Stadium turf, a serious knee injury which has put an end to his first season with the Roosters.
The victory secured fourth spot and a home semi-final against Brisbane for the tri-colours, but Fittler says Mason will be sorely missed next weekend and beyond.
"We've been really happy with his year and his input to the club," he said.
"He's been a great success for the club, a great buy for the club, he's extremely popular with all the fans and he's been putting on some pretty good footy.
"[It's] extremely disappointing but someone has got to step up."
Read a comprehensive report from Friday night's NRL matches here.
The Broncos tied up fifth place with a thumping 24-2 win over Newcastle at Lang Park that doubled as a home farewell for foundation coach Wayne Bennett and veteran utility Tonie Carroll.
Bennett is leaving the club at the end of the season to link up with the Dragons after 21 years at the helm in Brisbane.
The six-time premiership coach played down the significance of the occasion prior to the match, but made a point of thanking the club during post-match celebrations in front of a bumper crowd.
"I'd just like to thank the wonderful players I've coached here in 21 years - they've made my job a lot easier," Bennett told the fans.
"You've seen some wonderful players and I've been very proud and privileged to be a part of their lives and to give you a football team that you've also been proud of."
