Mason to face hearing

Kangaroos backrower Willie Mason will bid to keep his Tri-Nations campaign alive when he fronts a specially convened hearing tonight to answer a charge of striking.

Mason was charged after an official complaint from Great Britain following his right hook to the jaw of Lions prop Stuart Fielden. Mason sent Fielden crashing to the earth with a thunderous punch, the Lions recovering from the early blow to run out 23-12 winners at Aussie Stadium on Saturday night.

The hearing is scheduled for 6pm (AEDT).

Losing Mason for the back end of the tournament would be a disastrous blow for the Australians with the Bulldogs forward one the Kangaroos best so far this tournament. The Australians disbanded from camp yesterday and will reunite in Brisbane on Saturday ahead of their final preliminary match at Suncorp Stadium against the Lions on November 18.

The Kangaroos are already assured of a berth in the November 25 final.