Keith Mason has spoken of his pride after his son Lukas made his debut for Wigan Warriors’ Under-16s – but claimed the teenager has been targeted by opposition players at amateur level.
Mason junior plays for Halifax-based side Siddal but is also on Wigan’s books and is rated as a fine prospect.
The 15-year-old back-rower made his bow for the Warriors’ Under-16s in their clash with Huddersfield Giants on Wednesday.
Mason senior told Rugby League Live: “Lukas has definitely earned his spot and is probably one of the best forwards in the country for his age.
“He played most of his rugby over in St Helens and Wigan.
“He started his rugby journey at Clock Face Miners and then he went over to Orrell St James, where he was captain.
“Then he came to live with me in Halifax and began to play for Siddal, which is probably the best team in the competition at the moment.
“Wigan’s scouts, John Jackson and Jack Roden, spotted Lukas about five years ago when he was 10 or 11 years old.
“I think the first time they saw him, Sean O’Loughlin was there and Jack Roden said ‘who’s that blonde-haired kid?’
“O’Loughlin said ‘it’s Keith Mason’s son’ and John Jackson said ‘he’s a future Wigan player, I’m telling you now’.
“Lukas had therefore been on Wigan’s radar for a number of years and when he joined Siddal, Leeds and the big clubs in Yorkshire started sniffing round him.
“Leeds wanted to sign Lukas on their scholarship system but we were sold by Wigan and his heart was with Wigan, so we decided to sign there.
“He made his debut for the Under-16s against Huddersfield the other night and it was a very proud day for all the family.
“Lukas was ecstatic and was one of the better players who played, so we think he could have a bright future.”
Mason revealed, however, that his son had been targeted by opposition players and even coaching staff when playing for Siddal because of his famous father.
“It’s been absolutely terrible and I’ve had to get my lawyer, Richard Cramer, involved,” said Mason.
“As Lukas is such a strong player, these coaches are getting their players to go out and specifically target Lukas.
“Lukas can handle himself – he’s just under 6ft and about 13stone – he runs hard, tackles hard but there is no s**t in his game.
“You can see these kids trying to rile him up and, as a dad, I’m trying to pass my knowledge down to Lukas.
“I’ve told him not to rise to it and to just focus on his game.”
Mason said a recent game between Siddal and Guiseley caused a major flare-up between both sets of players – leading to a ban for his son.
“Lukas ran at a kid from a wedge play and knocked him out,” said the 39-year-old ex-prop, who starred for Wakefield, Melbourne, St Helens, Castleford and Huddersfield during his playing career.
“It was a fair, hard carry and it happens in the game, but the first chance the Guiseley players got to have a pop at Lukas, they did.
“Lukas offloaded the ball and was put into touch but as soon as he tried to get up, these Guiseley players began throwing punches at his head.
“As a dad, I ran over to break up the fight and safeguard my son.
“Then another lad hit Lukas from the side and could have broken his jaw.
“All hell broke loose and the game got cancelled – it was disgusting and the police also got involved.
“My son has been targeted and I’m furious. This not only happened against Guiseley but also when Lukas was playing for Siddal against East Leeds and Hunslet.
“People are trying to get Lukas banned by the Yorkshire Rugby League so he can’t play for Wigan but, like I said, my lawyer is now on it.”
Mason said he and his partner Riona, who was left paralysed after suffering a stroke, had also been abused on social media.
He added that he is set to become an ambassador for the Final Whistle app, which offers fans a way to stop hate crimes and racism at sporting events.
Mason said: “I can share my experience from how my son has being targeted as well as myself and Riona.
“I can help to show that this app can be used to combat hate and eradicate it from our great game. There is no place for it whatsoever.”
