UNCERTAINTY over the Knights’ future and the impending departure of Wayne Bennett means Willie Mason may return to Sydney to finish his career in 2015.
Although he turned 34 in April, Mason is playing good, consistent football for the struggling Knights this year.
The giant forward is keen to play on for one last season with the Knights but the collapse of Nathan Tinkler’s control of the club has put all contract talks on hold.
“Willie would love to stay at the Knights for another year as the club has been good to him and it is his home town,” says Mason’s manager, Sam Ayoub.
“But the club hasn’t been able to give us any firm answer at this stage and time is ticking away.
“Other clubs are going out and buying players and we have to consider that, as spots are limited under the salary cap.
“We have had some interest from one Sydney club and that is definitely an option. Willie has a lot of media opportunities in Sydney so from that point of view, it would suit him well.”
One of the great personality players of the modern era, Mason began his NRL career with the Bulldogs way back in 2000.
He made his debut as a 20-year-old and soon earned himself a legion of fans with his trademark afro hair and straight-talking manner.
He played eight seasons at the Bulldogs before moving to the Roosters in 2008.
After two years at the Roosters and a season at the Cowboys, he looked to be lost to the NRL when he joined English club Hull KR in 2011.
Visa problems caused him to quit the British club after a short stint and he tried his hand at rugby union with French club Toulon the same year.
But the astute Wayne Bennett believed Mason still had something to offer and signed him early in 2012.
Despite his best days being behind him, Mason has been a standout for the Knights and is playing as well this season as he has for several years.
“I’m probably a little biased but to me he’s been their best forward most weeks,” Ayoub says.
“He is working hard on and off the field and is still loving the training and playing – he is great value for another 12 months. “The only question is will it be at Newcastle or somewhere else.”
- TONY ADAMS
Replies
I would.
He's been pretty consistent and is a big bloke. He seems to be a leader now and not just a d I c khead.
12 months on the cheap would be good.
You obviously havnt been watching him play the past couple of seasons.
Wicks, Mau, Mason, Mannah, Edwards, Terepo, Pauli Pauli and Junior doesn't look too bad.
He would be a good leader for our young pack.
Why not? Parra have nothing to lose and everything to gain, he has been good for the knights and would most certainly help with the development of our juniors
only if he came cheap yes
Who wouldn't want a big Willy to replace our little Willie.
why not, we seem to be 'throwing a life-line' to every other NRL f*cktard.
ABSOLUTELY NOT. My sons school was on a bus in Newcastle for an excursion. They were 8 year olds. When they saw Wallie they were delighted and yelled out "Hi Willie". He gave them the middle finger, twice. We reported it and the Knights swept it under the carpet and offered to do a coaching clinic at the school. We rejected that and wanted an apology from him. He refused and said he thought he'd seen a few mates behind the bus and gave the finger to them.
The bloke is an absolute idiot. We need to keep some standards at Parra. He would show up on our dickhead radar (if we had one).
Also, he's about Fui's age and we have seen the best of him. Fui was great when he lasted though.
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