WILLIE Mason has declared Manlys maligned forward pack wont let Parramattas beasts bully them when they collide at Pirtek Stadium on Friday night.
Sea Eagles recruit Mason predicted former Silvertail Anthony Watmough would have the Eels forwards fired up for an epic grudge match.
But the 34-year-old denied the Eels would hold any intimidation factor over the visiting Sea Eagles.
Willie Mason during Manly training. Picture: Brett Costello
I wont be beaten by anyone - no-one puts one over me, Mason said.
Choc (Watmough) wont want to lose to his old club, thats for sure.
He will get their massive pack up for this game.
We definitely know what we are in for on Friday night. Choc would have looked at the draw straight away to find out when he played Manly.
Parramatta have such a big and physical pack. They are beasts. Choc will have them ready.
Anthony Watmough of the Eels.
Mason likened Watmoughs clash with former club Manly to his return bouts against Canterbury, where he spent eight years of his career.
He will love it - this match will be a career highlight even though he has won grand finals, Mason said.
Choc is a leader, not just for Parramatta but also NSW and Australia. You never want to lose to the team you just left.
It reminds me of when I left the Bulldogs.
With hulking forwards like Darcy Lussick (192cm, 114kg), Tim Mannah (184cm, 110kg), Tepai Moeroa (194cm, 111kg), Junior Paulo (188cm, 118kg) and Manu Mau (104cm, 103kg), Parramatta might fancy their chances of bulldozing the Manly pack, but Mason thinks its a no-win situation.
Not too many teams will try and test our middle, Mason said. I pride myself on being the intimidating body in the middle. I have a lot of pride - I wont be beaten by anyone.
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I have that drive. That is probably why I am still playing. No-one puts one over me.
When the day comes when I get bullied, Ill retire.
I am pumped. I couldnt have come to a better club. Manly has such high standards. Its not about the top eight here, its top four and grand finals.
They have a swagger about them but it isnt cockiness. They have just had a success.
Friday nights match will be fierce and personal.
Parramatta signed Manly legend Watmough and the Eels are now ready to lure Kieran Foran from Brookvale. Former Sea Eagles star Will Hopoate is also an Eel.
But everyone will be watching how Watmough plays.
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Choc and I are good mates. He is a great player and will be remembered as a Manly great, Mason said.
We go hard on the field but will have a beer after the match.
Last week, Watmough ruffled the Manly camp but expressing his hate for the club.
Theres people in this team who hate Manly even more than I do, Watmough said. I never thought Id leave Manly but its probably been the best move Ive made in my life besides marrying my wife and having a couple of kids.
Its good to wake up every day and want to go to training. Im not sitting in my car, not wanting to get out. Not wanting to train.
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