Rovers de-register Mason

Mason: Not available for Hull KR after being de-registered

Willie Mason has been de-registered and Michael Dobson reinstated in the latest twist to the selection saga at Hull KR.

Rovers originally de-registered Dobson as they waited for Mason to receive a Tongan passport that would allow him to be exempt from the overseas quota.

But with Dobson now ready to return from an ankle injury and the passport still to arrive, the club were left with a dilemma.

Mason was originally included in the 19-man squad to face cross-city rivals Hull FC on Good Friday, but has now been removed and replaced by Dobson.

New signing Mason has also reportedly attracted interest from French rugby union outfit Toulon, and his de-registration may now pave the way for him to switch codes and join the Top 14 club.

Approved

The Rugby Football League have confirmed that the change of registration has been approved.

“The RFL can confirm that Hull Kingston Rovers have re-registered Australian scrum-half Michael Dobson and that the player is eligible for selection for the Engage Super League Round 11 fixture at Hull FC on Friday, April 22,” a statement read.

“Hull Kingston Rovers have also de-registered prop Willie Mason following a protracted delay in the player obtaining a Tongan passport.

“Any application to re-register Willie Mason, subject to the player obtaining a Tongan passport, would require the full support of the RFL board of directors.”

Mason arrived at Craven Park on a two-year deal six weeks ago and scored his first try for the club against Wigan last Friday.

“Willie Mason has been de-registered with the RFL whilst the passport process is finalised. For reasons beyond the club/player’s control this process has not been completed.

“The club were advised on extremely good authority that Willie would qualify for a Tongan passport when he signed for the club. “
Hull KR statement Quotes of the week

“The club were advised on extremely good authority that Willie would qualify for a Tongan passport when he signed for the club.

“This has subsequently been backed up in writing several times and most recently again by a letter personally signed off by the Prime Minister of Tonga which states: ‘I can confirm that all qualifying steps have now been completed and Mr Mason unreservedly is entitled to Tongan nationality and therefore a Tongan passport.’

“Unfortunately the process has not been finalised following a change of government and the disbanding of the privy council. No passports have been issued in Tonga at all during this period.

“The privy council are required to finalise the process. They are constitutionally due to reform next month (May) when it is anticipated the matter will be finalised.

Rovers also stated that they will be discussing reports of a move to Toulon with Mason and his agent, but have not received any direct approaches for his services.