Bulls poised for Mason bid

Mason: Frozen out at Hull KR

Bradford could step in to offer Willie Mason a way back into the Engage Super League after finding himself frozen out at Hull KR.

“It is fair to say there is some interest.”
Bulls chairman Peter Hood Quotes of the week

The 31-year-old joined Rovers earlier this year but made only six appearances before being de-registered to make way for the return from injury of Australian Michael Dobson.

Rovers were counting on Mason receiving a Tongan passport in order to take advantage of the Cotonou trade agreement by being ranked as a non-overseas player.

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

The Robins, who are still paying Mason his reputed £100,000-a-year salary, are ready to cut their losses – with the player rumoured to be set to make a move to French rugby union club Toulon for next season – and could be open to a loan deal.

Bradford have space on both their overseas quota and salary cap and have lost French international forward Olivier Elima with a potentially season-ending knee injury.

With Nick Scruton and Jamie Langley also on the injury list, Bulls chairman Peter Hood admits a loan move for Mason would make sense and reveals he intends to open discussions with his Rovers counterpart Neil Hudgell.

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

Opportunity

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

“I’ve not had the opportunity yet to speak to Neil Hudgell but I hope to do so over the next week.

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

Meanwhile, Hood confirmed Bradford would also be interested in re-signing stand-off Leon Pryce from St Helens.

Hood revealed 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 1998-06 and featured in five Grand Finals for them.