The Unapologetic Willie Mason: From Rugby League Enforcer to Insightful Mentor
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Published 2024-02-29
The 43-year-old's keen eye is now paying dividends as as a pathways coach for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and a co-host one of rugby league's most popular podcasts on the 'Levels Network'.
We discussed various topics, including the 2024 season launch of the NRL in Vegas, his childhood, the impact of his father's death, the highs and lows of his career, relationships with Wayne Bennett and Phil Gould, the success of his new podcast with Justin Horo, how he guides players today as a coach and much more.
Timestamps:
00:00 Promo
01:11 Last time Mark & Willie saw each other
02:20 Grand Finals, Origin & Playing for Australia
07:00 Psychology & Childhood
10:43 Time at Bulldogs
19:40 Gus Gould
24:00 Wayne Bennet
27:01 How the NRL evolves
29:01 The Podcast Game
32:00 Mentoring & Coaching The Next Gen
42:01 Toughest Opponents & Favourite players
43:58 WIllie's Podcast
44:40 NRL Launch in Vegas
50:00 What the NRL should do for ex players
All Comments (21)
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Pretty obvious why people like Wayne and Gus resonate with Willie. Complete 180 degree turnaround in my opinion of you Willie, mate you are a thinker. Always remember people like Bennett and Gould, that's their DNA. they are unique individuals and whilst you can pick up bits and pieces you cannot replicate in yourself. Bouris another great interview.
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Great player, great to know the bloke behind the ball.
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Willie was every 2000’s kid favourite.
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Some times I see a lot of people hate on Willie Mason and i just don't get it. Seems like a genuinely good dude.
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Great podcast! That bulldogs side in 2004 was insane
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Mark, great show. Willie, very impressive. Articulate, thoughtful and balanced. Best of luck to you.
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Its disgraceful these podcasts don't have 100k + subs.. Soooooo good
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Never underestimate the power of observation.
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the flegg and S G ball squads are really lucky to benefit from the wisdom of willie mason ,,,,,it can only translate into future success at NRL level
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Great episode. Big Willie style.
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Thank you Willie and Mark!
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Agree with most comments on here, hated him as a GB fan, but come to realise you'd love him on your team & he's someone you'd have a beer with too 🍻
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Love this! What a link up!
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Love the podcast Mark. Willie is awesome, what an eye opener of a discussion. I knew nothing about Willie besides being a great footy player. Straight outta Tronno! What a thinker, communicator and educator. Signed up for your podcast Willie and cant wait to get into it.
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Willie Mason = LEGEND!
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So good!!
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Much respect for him and his family as i grew up with him his family in Toronto west
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Interesting how Mark drew out the key leadership management points with big Willie. As a passionate QLDer, Willie needs to spend time with the NSW Blues, even coach them to keep the concept alive.
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Just love this man,Mountain, bit of a lead in his Footy Days,but lovebol,love this Podcast Mb,you are worth watching, keep up the Interesting interviews.MrMd,keep well 🦉🥊🐓😊
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Great interview 🎉
