WILLIE Mason chose North Queensland over Newcastle as his new home this season because he believes the Cowboys have more chance of winning the NRL premiership.

Mason, who agreed to a one-year deal with the Cowboys, was also  swayed by the fact that three of his former Bulldogs teammates,  Johnathan Thurston, Willie Tonga and Ben Harris, play for the club.   

The former Test forward is expected to arrive in Townsville  later today to finalise the move after advising Newcastle  officials of his decision last night. 

It is understood that the Knights had more room under the salary  cap to accommodate Mason and were prepared to offer him a two-year  deal but the chance to win another grand final was a stronger  attraction for the 2004 Clive Churchill Medal winner.

Even the opportunity to return home to Newcastle, where his  family lives, and play alongside 18-year-old brother Rodney - a  member of the Knights NYC squad - was not as powerful a lure for  Mason, who will be motivated this season by his desire to prove a  point to the Sydney Roosters officials who no longer want him at  the club.

He will receive a pay-out from the Roosters but the club has indicated it expects to make a substantial saving by releasing him  from his $400,000-a-season contract.

Mason will earn substantially less at the Cowboys.

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