Storm deny Mason reports

Melbourne have denied reports that they have signed Willie Mason, who could still yet move to Super League with Crusaders.

Newspaper reports in Australia had claimed that the NRL premiers had signed the Sydney Roosters forward on a two-year deal, but they have been denied by the club in a statement.

Melbourne CEO Brian Waldron said: “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. 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 has also been linked to other NRL sides Cronulla and Manly while Brian Noble is reportedly interested in signing the former Australian test forward as Crusaders look to build their squad for the 2010 season.

Mason moved to Sydney from Canterbury in 2008 on a deal worth around $450,000.