Overnight wrap: Mason & Titans

Willie Mason has been cleared to play the Tri-Nations final despite being found guilty of striking Great Britain's Stuart Fielden in Saturday night's rugby league match in Sydney.

Mason pleaded not guilty to punching Fielden in the third minute, citing self defence. He was given one week and a $5,000 fine, meaning he only misses Australia's encounter with the Brits on Saturday week.

The Tri-Nations judiciary panel felt Mason's reaction was "disproportionate" to Fielden's provocation.

Meanwhile, assistant coach of the new NRL franchise Trevor Gillmeister says he wants the Titans to set the benchmark in mental and physical toughness in the competition.

The Titans came together on the Gold Coast today for the start of orientation week before the serious stuff begins with the club's first training session on Monday. Former Queensland and Australian hardman Gillmeister says it's important the Titans get some mongrel into their game when they open their premiership campaign in mid-March.

He also believes the players must hit the ground running in defence because the attack will take some time to gel.