Veteran prop Willie Mason could be bound for St George Illawarra next year as the Dragons look to beef up their diminutive forward pack.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Dragons want to add some size up front and the likes of Mason, Canterbury’s Sam Kasiano and Gold Coast’s Ryan James are all potential targets.
James will not be released from the Titans despite having an injury plagued season, while Kasiano still has a year to run on his Bulldogs contract.
Mason, however, could soon join his fifth NRL club. The 34-year-old is determined to play on next year despite being told he will not be required at Newcastle beyond the end of round 26.
The Dragons, Penrith and Brisbane are all possible suitors for the former Test prop, who has returned to his best form this season. St George Illawarra made a play for Mason at the end of 2009, before he joined North Queensland for one season.
St George Illawarra are yet to add a player to their roster for next season because of their nearly maxed out salary cap, plus uncertainty surrounding over who will coach the club long-term.
The Dragons are on the lookout for established front-rowers and have a host of players off-contract. The futures of Kyle Stanley, Bronson Harrison, Will Matthews and Nathan Green are yet to be decided.
There could also be movement at the Broncos as incoming coach Wayne Bennett is yet to finalise his roster.
Broncos props Martin Kennedy and Josh McGuire are contracted beyond this year. Ben Hannant is likely to be retained despite his deal ending this season.
Bennett will also have to finalise his back line as Darius Boyd is expected to return to Brisbane. The Broncos already have a host of fullbacks as Ben Barba, Anthony Milford and Josh Hoffman are contracted to the club for next year.