Bradford admit interest in Mason

New Zealand-born Willie Mason began his career with Canterbury Bulldogs

Bradford are poised to offer Willie Mason a sensational way back into Super League – less than a fortnight after he was left in limbo at Hull KR.

Mason, 31, who finally joined Rovers on a two-year deal in March, was de-registered to make way for the return of fit-again scrum-half Michael Dobson.

But, although Mason remains linked with a move to union side Toulon, injury-hit Bradford are keen on a loan deal.

“It is fair to say there is some interest,” said chairman Peter Hood.

“We have lost three senior forwards with a vast amount of experience between them.

“And, although we have some very promising players, we are having to give them too much football.

“Would the addition of Willie Mason to our squad strengthen it as a result? You would have to say ‘yes it would’.

“But we would need the agreement of both the RFL and the UK Borders Agency in obtaining a work visa for him.”

Mason made only six appearances before being de-registered over the Easter weekend, when reports of his mooted cross-code move to big-spending Toulon began to multiply.

Bradford, already without Nick Scruton and Jamie Langley, lost French international Olivier Elima on Sunday with a potentially season-ending knee injury.

And Mick Potter’s Bulls, languishing in 11th in Super League, have space on both their overseas quota and salary cap.

But they could face competition from high-flying Castleford, who last week lost Craig Huby with a fractured kneecap and have room on both their salary cap and overseas quota.

The Robins, who are still paying Mason his reputed £100,000-a-year salary, are ready to cut their losses and could be open to a loan deal.

But Mason is still awaiting his Tongan passport and would need special dispensation from the Rugby Football League to be registered a second time.

Meanwhile, Hood has confirmed that Bradford are interested in re-signing stand-off Leon Pryce from St Helens.

Hood revealed that he sought permission in the close season to speak to the 29-year-old Great Britain international, who is out of contract at the end of this year and is also thought to be interesting Catalan Dragons.

“I asked permission last year to speak to Leon and was denied,” he said. “Of course we would be interested if he became available because we are interested in quality players.”

Bradford-born Pryce, currently sidelined with a groin injury, played for the Bulls from 1998 before signing for Saints in 2006, featuring in five Grand Finals.