Storm refute claims they've signed Mason

[TheBigFella]

MELBOURNE Storm chief executive Brian Waldron says the club has not and will not sign out-of-favour Sydney Roosters forward Willie Mason for the 2010 NRL season.

Fairfax media reported today that Mason had agreed to a two-year deal to join the NRL premiers, but Waldron has quickly denied the story. In a statement released by the Storm, the club was emphatic in their inability to sign the former Test forward.

"I personally communicated to Willie Mason over a fortnight ago that we were not and would not be in a position to offer him a contract for 2010,'' Waldron said in the statement. "That message was also communicated to his manager.

"We wish Willie all the best for the future but unattributed reports that we have signed him for next year and 2011 are completely false.''

Mason remains on the outer at the Roosters, with new coach Brian Smith offering the second rower extended leave to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

The Daily Telegraph reported last month that Mason had been in talks with Melbourne, but Waldron insisted then that the premiers didn't have enough room under their salary cap to accommodate the former international.

Mason is good friends with Storm five-eight Brett Finch - both palyers were Newcastle juniors.

[TheBigFella]

Also found this little tid-bit...

The BBC also said that Rooster Willie Mason had turned down an offer from the Crusaders.

[Guest]

I want to know what happened to the Immenent Sacking that the DT reported on ages ago? Bunch of hacks the lot of 'em

[Guest]

Also found this little tid-bit...

The BBC also said that Rooster Willie Mason had turned down an offer from the Crusaders.

If thats true then he will not be playing anywhere next season. that was hois opnly chance.

[Guest]

Willie Mason won't be wearing Melbourne Storm jumper



melbourne has ruled out speculation Willie Mason could join the Storm. Source: The Daily Telegraph

MELBOURNE Storm is sick of the speculation, and wants to set the record straight - Willie Mason will not be playing with it next year.

Storm chief executive officer Brian Waldron scoffed at reports out of Sydney that the big Roosters forward had reached a deal to join the NRL premier.

"Look, this has to stop," Waldron told the Herald Sun. "Somewhere, somebody has come up with a story that is just not true. It is just rubbish.

"Three weeks ago I went to the extent of ringing him (Mason) directly myself to let him know we were not in any position to sign him, to make him an offer, and that no offer would be forthcoming.

"And he said to me, 'Thank you for the call, I appreciate it and I'm moving on'," Waldron said. "We have maintained from the start that our financial position will not allow us to sign any high-profile players."

''Brian Waldron said that mASON WAS FREE TO JOIN THE STORM,ONLY IF HE BEAT HIS GIRLFRIEND UP.''



Asked if there was any possible development between now and the start of the 2010 NRL season that would allow Mason, a former international, to join Storm, Waldron said: "Absolutely none."

Mason, who is good friends with Storm player Brett Finch and has the respect of coach Craig Bellamy, yesterday also was adamant he would not be playing for Melbourne Storm. "There's no deal whatsoever with Melbourne. I haven't a clue where that one came from," Mason said last night.

"I've never even spoken to the guy who wrote the story. I don't even know who he is. It sounds like something they've just tossed up. As far as I'm concerned, I'm still contracted to the Roosters for 2010."

Mason is now determined to stay in the NRL after ending talks with Japanese rugby union and United Kingdom Superleague clubs.

The former Test and New South Wales forward declined to comment on negotiations with the Roosters for a settlement of the final year of his $400,000-a-season deal.

Roosters chief executive Steve Noyce and coach Brian Smith have given Mason leave until January 11 to find a new club.

It now remains to be seen which NRL club can afford Mason, who will also need to convince the Roosters to grant him a decent pay-out to subsidise his 2010 salary.

Cronulla, St George Illawarra and Manly have been mentioned as possible new homes, but all three have ruled Mason out.