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THE critics reckon Willie Mason's NRL career is headed south, and they just might be proven right.
According to sources close to the former international, it's now just a matter of how far south Mason travels down the eastern seaboard next season should he not secure a rugby deal in Japan.

The Daily Telegraph was last night told powerhouse pair Melbourne and St George Illawarra have been in talks with the controversial Rooster.

Although Storm CEO Brian Waldron insisted the premiers don't have enough room under their cap to accommodate Mason, a well-placed Victorian source said five-eighth Brett Finch had the task of convincing his good friend to follow him to Melbourne.

Both players are Newcastle juniors and have socialised together regularly since making their NRL debuts. But they have never been teammates at club level.

Melbourne would appreciate a forward of Mason's size to cover its front row, which will be thin early in the season thanks to off-season injury treatment for props Brett White and Ryan Tandy.

New front row recruit John Kite is also not due to be fully fit until after round one while Aiden Tolman is expected to shift to the back row to cover for Superleague-bound lock Dallas Johnson.

The source said coach Craig Bellamy felt Mason could be of "great value" to the Storm on a one-year deal, and also nominated Dragons' mentor Wayne Bennett as the other man capable of harnessing Mason's potential.

Although Mason still has a year to run on his contract at Bondi, there appears to be no chance of him staying at the Roosters in 2010. Depending on what portion of his $400,000 contract the club would be willing to pay-out, both the Storm and Dragons could afford to squeeze Mason in.

"I don't know where this is coming from, but we can't afford Willie Mason - our cap is full to the brim," Waldron said.

The Roosters have given Mason until January to find a new club.

He's attracted interest from Japanese and French rugby outfits.

Nick'o

Nov 26 2009, 05:50 AM

why would anyone in their right mind want mason?

i would love to see him at bondi again next season :laughing:

Nick'o

Nov 26 2009, 05:50 AM

why would anyone in their right mind want mason?

i would love to see him at bondi again next season :laughing:

Chance

Nov 26 2009, 10:42 AM

If the roosters end up with the choice of being forced to honour his entire 400k contract, or paying half of it to get rid of him, which do you think they'll choose?

Could be on the market for 200k, I don't think that's such a bad pickup

legend_ss

Nov 28 2009, 03:03 AM

the only team that Willie played bad for was the Roosters.
when he was at the Doggies he played great.
if he goes to the Dragons then Bennet will turn him back into a machine again with him and Weyman at prop look out.

legend_ss

Nov 28 2009, 03:03 AM

the only team that Willie played bad for was the Roosters.
when he was at the Doggies he played great.
if he goes to the Dragons then Bennet will turn him back into a machine again with him and Weyman at prop look out.

Julz

Nov 28 2009, 04:45 AM

legend_ss

Nov 28 2009, 03:03 AM

the only team that Willie played bad for was the Roosters.
when he was at the Doggies he played great.
if he goes to the Dragons then Bennet will turn him back into a machine again with him and Weyman at prop look out.

Stuff Bennett, Smith can turn him around. Mason has been injured at his time during our club. He will have a big season next yr, which ever team he plays for.

Chance

Nov 28 2009, 04:51 AM

legend_ss

Nov 28 2009, 03:03 AM

the only team that Willie played bad for was the Roosters.
when he was at the Doggies he played great.
if he goes to the Dragons then Bennet will turn him back into a machine again with him and Weyman at prop look out.

That's right

Hodges was good for the broncos, shit at the roosters, great back at the broncos
Ashley Harrison was great for Souths, shit for the roosters, going well at the titans.
Even Finch was better at the eels/storm than his later years at the roosters


I don't see any reason why Mason can't be a good player once more.