Mason makes Cowboys move

North Queensland have won the race to sign Willie Mason after the test forward agreed a one-year deal with the Townsville club.

Cowboys Executive Director Peter Parr confirmed this morning that Mason had accepted the offer from the club and its terms and conditions, with the final release expected shortly.

“I spoke with Steve Noyce this morning and he doesn’t envisage any hiccups and we expect that the release will be formalised sooner rather than later,” Parr said.

Parr said that despite Mason’s controversial reputation, the 29-year-old will be a massive benefit to the Cowboys.

He added: “I think he will be good for us – I’ve said at the very beginning of this that Willie Mason fully fit and focussed and concentrating on his football is a benefit to any team and we’re convinced after due diligence that is the athlete we’ve picked up.

“We’re looking forward to him getting here and getting on with the season.

“I’m excited about what he can do on the football field and I’m excited about what he can bring to the team and the club. This has been played out for a while in the media I’m just looking forward to him getting here and training and getting ready for what we hope is a good season.

“I can understand why people would consider it a gamble but considering the extensive due diligence we’ve done and the encouragement that we’ve had from the coaching staff and the players we see it as a really positive move for our club.

“All that I know that everybody associated with this football club is really looking forward to him getting here and being part of the club and part of the team.”