League: Dobson the sacrificial lamb as Mason jets in

Willie Mason. Photo / Getty Images

Hull KR have been forced to de-register Australian halfback Michael Dobson to accommodate new signing Willie Mason on their overseas quota in time to play him against Crusaders on Monday.

The 30-year-old former Australia test forward, arguably the biggest overseas recruit in the history of Super League, is set to make his debut after flying in to take up a two-year contract with Rovers.

It was thought Mason had used his newly-acquired Tongan passport to enter the country and take advantage of a loophole in the league's overseas quota regulations through a treaty agreed 10 years ago by the European Union and the Pacific nations. However, it now appears the player used his New Zealand passport and, therefore, must count on the club's five-strong overseas quota.

Dobson, who has been ruled out for up to two months with an ankle injury, has been taken off Rovers' register to make way for Mason, who will be named in coach Justin Morgan's 19-man squad.

In a statement, Hull KR said: "Once Willie's passport formalities are completed and Michael Dobson is again fit to be selected, he will be re-registered."

The RFL confirmed Rovers met Thursday's registration deadline for him to play this weekend.

Mason was blown away by the reception after landing in Manchester on Monday. "I don't really know what to say, it has been a little bit frustrating because I missed out on a couple of games and the pre-season."

Asked if he was looking forward to shaping up against Stuart Fielden, whom he floored with a punch in an international in 2006, Mason said: "That will just stay on the field and we will see what happens."

Hull KR play Fielden's Wigan later this month.

- AAP