Mason Adds to Australia's Woes

Willie Mason seems certain to join a growing list of Australia players unavailable for this autumn's World Cup after suffering a serious knee injury in Sydney yesterday. The colorful Roosters forward damaged anterior ligaments in a 10-0 victory over the St George-Illawarra Dragons and is not expected to play again until next year.

Australia's coach, Ricky Stuart, has already lost his best center, Mark Gasnier, who will not be considered after signing for the French rugby union club Stade Français, and the former Cronulla stand-off Greg Bird is also out of the running after being sacked by his club for an off-field incident.

Elsewhere in Australia yesterday Wayne Bennett was given a rapturous ovation after his last league game in charge of the Brisbane Broncos before he joins St George next year. Bennett has been the Broncos' only coach since they were founded in 1988 and was given a fitting send-off as his side beat Newcastle Knights 24-2.

Ryan Hudson has rejoined Castleford in the belief that the Tigers, who have been bottom of the Super League all season, will challenge for a place in the top-six play-offs next year. The 28-year-old former England hooker was the club captain from 2002-04, before Castleford were relegated and he left for Bradford, only to be banned for two years following a positive drug test, since when he has relaunched his career with Huddersfield.

"I'm relishing coming back," said Hudson. "The club has top-six ambitions and they are recruiting well." Castleford's coach, Terry Matterson, said: "His form this season puts him in the top bracket of hookers in Super League."