League: Mason goes with Cowboys

Willie Mason. Photo / Getty Images

Willie Mason chose North Queensland over Newcastle as his new home this season because he believes the Cowboys have more chance of winning the NRL premiership, the Sydney Morning Herald reported today.

Mason, who agreed to a one-year deal with the Cowboys, was also swayed by the fact that three of his former Bulldogs teammates, Johnathan Thurston, Willie Tonga and Ben Harris, play for the club.

The former Test forward is expected to arrive in Townsville later today to finalise the move after advising Newcastle officials of his decision last night.

It is understood that the Knights had more room under the salary cap to accommodate Mason and were prepared to offer him a two-year deal but the chance to win another grand final was a stronger attraction for the 2004 Clive Churchill Medal winner, according to the SMH.

Even the opportunity to return home to Newcastle, where his family lives, and play alongside 18-year-old brother Rodney - a member of the Knights NYC squad - was not as powerful a lure for Mason, who will be motivated this season by his desire to prove a point to the Sydney Roosters officials who no longer want him at the club.

He will receive a pay-out from the Roosters but the club has indicated it expects to make a substantial saving by releasing him from his A$400,000-a-season contract.

Mason will earn substantially less at the Cowboys.

- AAP