We've no respect for Kiwi Kidwell: Mason
Monday, October 16, 2006 - 5:30 PM
The simmering trans-Tasman rugby league feud has boiled over with Australian Willie Mason saying he and his teammates have no respect for Kiwi enforcer David Kidwell.
Mason was hit heavily by Kidwell during Australia's 30-18 Tri Nations win at the weekend, leaving the Aussie with a suspected fractured eye socket.
But Mason says Kidwell hasn't got any respect from the Australian forward pack, echoing Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart's comments earlier on Monday that the New Zealand back-rower lacks courage.
Stuart accused Kidwell of being a cheap shot merchant and running at smaller players rather than taking on big forwards.
The weekend match featured several spiteful incidents and allegations that Mason showed disrespect for the traditional New Zealand Haka by mouthing obscenities at the Kiwi players while it was being performed.
It has set the stage for a fiery rematch at Melbourne's Telstra Dome on Saturday night.
Source: AAP