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SYDNEY - League's walking headline, Willie Mason, could be set for a showdown with his Bulldogs National Rugby League club after saying he will look seriously at an impending offer to play American football.
Mason was last week hosted by National Football League franchise the New York Jets, reportedly wined and dined by the general manager and coach and put through a 45-minute speed and power session.
The Auckland-born Kangaroos prop has two years to run on his lucrative Bulldogs contract but returned to Australia impressed with the American game and is mulling over his future.
"After going over there, I'm more excited about the game than ever. It's a different world over there ... watching the guys train was unbelievable," Mason told Sydney's Sunday Telegraph newspaper.
"I'm very settled with the Bulldogs and the Jets understand that. They would have to pay a lot of money to get me over there, I wouldn't go over there for a rookie wage.
"But if it is a ridiculous amount of money, the decision is mine. At the end of the day, I have to make the best decision for me. If I decide to go over, it's my call.
"I've been very loyal to the Dogs for nine years and, if I do decide to go over there, I would hope they give me their blessing, but I doubt that will happen."
The Bulldogs agreed to let one of their marquee players travel to the United States to check out the Jets' set-up on the proviso he would see out the rest of his contract.
The club is in no mood for charity.
"We're happy Willie had the experience, he went with our blessing, but he has two years to run on his contract," a Bulldogs spokesman said.
The club also have a headache over their Kiwis star Sonny Bill Williams, who is off contract at the end of next season and has indicated he will look at many offers from Australia and Britain to secure his future.
- NZPA
