NRL legend Willie Mason said there was “not a chance” he would get into acting.
But a single phone call changed everything.
The footy great makes his acting debut in the Stan Original series Sunny Nights, a career move that had the nation talking.
Speaking on Today, Mason revealed the unexpected way he got the gig.
Catch the interview in the video above.
“Trent O’Donnell, who’s the director of the series, he’s done Brooklyn 99, [New] Girl, Colin from Accounts, he’s a big dog in that world,” Mason began.
Stream every episode of the Stan Original Sunny Nights out now, only on Stan.
Mason is tough on screens…and on the field. (Getty)
The star recalled the surprise phone call he received from O’Donnell.
“I’m like, how you going mate it’s Willie, What’s going on? Why’d you send me all these scripts?'”
The comedy drama follows an American brother-sister duo (Will Forte and D’Arcy Carden) caught in Sydney’s criminal underworld. A world that includes Mason’s character Terry.
Turns out the role was written for Mason.
Mason joins D’Arcy Carden (The Good Place) and SNL icon Will Forte. (Stan)
After years on the field, Mason tackles a different challenge as Terry (pictured). (Stan)
“I thought I was playing a cameo in a corner or just doing absolutely nothing,” Mason told the Today hosts.
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Until O’Donnell told him it was “a real thing” that was written for him.
“I said, ‘This is serious… it’s not a joke?” Mason recalled.
The star made the decision on the spot and said “let’s go!”.
And while Mason has dominated the footy field for years, the star admitted he “hasn’t watched” any of the scenes he’s in.
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”I’m still at that moment where it’s a bit cringy, I don’t know if I’m good [at acting] or not,” he smiled.
But Mason admits there’s been “good reviews”.
“My family’s very honest, I’ve got five sisters and two brothers so they’ll tell me if I was awful or not, so I must have done an alright job.”
Stream every episode of the Stan Original Sunny Nights out now, only on Stan.
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