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By Dean Ritchie
November 09, 2007 12:00am
ST GEORGE Illawarra are ready to pounce on Bulldogs discard Willie Mason in a stunning move that could cost unwanted Knights forward Kirk Reynoldson a contract with the Dragons.
After it appeared a two-horse race between the Roosters and the Sharks for Mason's signature, the Dragons have emerged as genuine contenders to sign the player who was told this week by the Bulldogs he could negotiate with rival clubs.
The Daily Telegraph understands Mason's manager Greg Keenan will hold talks this morning with Dragons chief executive Peter Doust.
St George Illawarra were close to signing Reynoldson - with Newcastle topping up his contract - before the shock development with Mason.
And in further drama for the Bulldogs, the club yesterday released halfback Brent Sherwin from the final year of his contract to join UK club Castleford.
St George Illawarra were close to signing Newcastle discard Kirk Reynoldson before having a late dash at Mason.
The club only has one vacancy for next season.
Dragons chief executive Peter Doust was giving little away last night, only saying: "We've been talking to Reynoldson's manager (Les Ross). We still have one spot to fill."
Asked whether Mason was a possibility for that vacant position, Doust said: "I've got no comment. Take that how you want."
Keenan chose not to comment on the impending negotiations with St George Illawarra but admitted to meeting Roosters' supremo Nick Politis for coffee yesterday morning.
"It was a preliminary chat. Nick wanted to know what the Bulldogs' position was and whether Willie was interested in playing there," Keenan said.
Mason told Channel Seven last night he would only sign with a strong NRL club.
"I've won one premiership and I want to win more," Mason said.
"I do want to go to a team in a rebuilding stage.
"We'll see what happens when I get back to Sydney. I'm sure the s . . t will hit the fan.
"It's not like I'll be on the scrapheap."
It is understood Mason's camp is seeking a four-year deal.
There was speculation last night that the Roosters might have to shed one or even two players to sign Mason.
Forwards David Shillington, Shane Shackleton and Ashley Harrison were identified as players under scrutiny.
There were unconfirmed reports that Rooster Nate Myles was offered back to the Bulldogs but was unwanted by coach Steve Folkes.
Meanwhile Sherwin, who played 191 first grade games with the Bulldogs, will also be leaving after agreeing to play with English club Castleford.
Sherwin has been unsettled in recent years but yesterday refused to be critical of the club.
Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes said: "Shifty came to us last week with details of the overture from Castleford.
"Although it's not standard practice for us to release players early from their contracts, this opportunity was in his best interests and we would not want to stand in his way."
With Sherwin gone, there was speculation surrounding the possible swap of Brett Kimmorley to the Bulldogs and Mason to Cronulla.
But Bulldogs CEO Malcolm Noad said: "I can say categorically that despite Brett's experience he is not being courted by the Bulldogs."
Sportingbet Australia has the Bulldogs at $18 to win the NRL title next season, their longest pre-season price in memory. The Storm are $3.50 favourites to win back-to-back titles.
And in a market on Mason's move, the betting agency has the Sydney Roosters $2.35 favourites for Mason with Cronulla at $3.50, Hull ($3.75) and $4 for him to stay at the Bulldogs.
The Dragons move came as such a surprise they had not even been included in the market.
All other clubs are quoted $6.50 ahead of North Queensland ($9), although the Cowboys had shown an interest in Mason. Punters can secure odds of $21 about Mason not playing in 2008.
Sportingbet Australia's Bill Richmond said: "It wouldn't surprise to see him stay a Bulldog."
It seems certain Mason will not be signing with a non-Sydney club.
November 09, 2007 12:00am
ST GEORGE Illawarra are ready to pounce on Bulldogs discard Willie Mason in a stunning move that could cost unwanted Knights forward Kirk Reynoldson a contract with the Dragons.
After it appeared a two-horse race between the Roosters and the Sharks for Mason's signature, the Dragons have emerged as genuine contenders to sign the player who was told this week by the Bulldogs he could negotiate with rival clubs.
The Daily Telegraph understands Mason's manager Greg Keenan will hold talks this morning with Dragons chief executive Peter Doust.
St George Illawarra were close to signing Reynoldson - with Newcastle topping up his contract - before the shock development with Mason.
And in further drama for the Bulldogs, the club yesterday released halfback Brent Sherwin from the final year of his contract to join UK club Castleford.
St George Illawarra were close to signing Newcastle discard Kirk Reynoldson before having a late dash at Mason.
The club only has one vacancy for next season.
Dragons chief executive Peter Doust was giving little away last night, only saying: "We've been talking to Reynoldson's manager (Les Ross). We still have one spot to fill."
Asked whether Mason was a possibility for that vacant position, Doust said: "I've got no comment. Take that how you want."
Keenan chose not to comment on the impending negotiations with St George Illawarra but admitted to meeting Roosters' supremo Nick Politis for coffee yesterday morning.
"It was a preliminary chat. Nick wanted to know what the Bulldogs' position was and whether Willie was interested in playing there," Keenan said.
Mason told Channel Seven last night he would only sign with a strong NRL club.
"I've won one premiership and I want to win more," Mason said.
"I do want to go to a team in a rebuilding stage.
"We'll see what happens when I get back to Sydney. I'm sure the s . . t will hit the fan.
"It's not like I'll be on the scrapheap."
It is understood Mason's camp is seeking a four-year deal.
There was speculation last night that the Roosters might have to shed one or even two players to sign Mason.
Forwards David Shillington, Shane Shackleton and Ashley Harrison were identified as players under scrutiny.
There were unconfirmed reports that Rooster Nate Myles was offered back to the Bulldogs but was unwanted by coach Steve Folkes.
Meanwhile Sherwin, who played 191 first grade games with the Bulldogs, will also be leaving after agreeing to play with English club Castleford.
Sherwin has been unsettled in recent years but yesterday refused to be critical of the club.
Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes said: "Shifty came to us last week with details of the overture from Castleford.
"Although it's not standard practice for us to release players early from their contracts, this opportunity was in his best interests and we would not want to stand in his way."
With Sherwin gone, there was speculation surrounding the possible swap of Brett Kimmorley to the Bulldogs and Mason to Cronulla.
But Bulldogs CEO Malcolm Noad said: "I can say categorically that despite Brett's experience he is not being courted by the Bulldogs."
Sportingbet Australia has the Bulldogs at $18 to win the NRL title next season, their longest pre-season price in memory. The Storm are $3.50 favourites to win back-to-back titles.
And in a market on Mason's move, the betting agency has the Sydney Roosters $2.35 favourites for Mason with Cronulla at $3.50, Hull ($3.75) and $4 for him to stay at the Bulldogs.
The Dragons move came as such a surprise they had not even been included in the market.
All other clubs are quoted $6.50 ahead of North Queensland ($9), although the Cowboys had shown an interest in Mason. Punters can secure odds of $21 about Mason not playing in 2008.
Sportingbet Australia's Bill Richmond said: "It wouldn't surprise to see him stay a Bulldog."
It seems certain Mason will not be signing with a non-Sydney club.
