WILLIE Mason will christen his new career with the North ­Queensland Cowboys in Cairns after it was confirmed the ­controversial ­forward would play in the February 20 NRL trial against the New ­Zealand Warriors at Barlow Park.

Queensland Rugby League local league administrator Pat Bailey, who is co-ordinating the trial, was given the news by Cowboys chief executive Peter Parr yesterday morning.

Following a week of speculation, Mason agreed to terms for a one-year deal with the Cowboys on Thursday night after rejecting an approach from the Newcastle Knights. Mason is expected to arrive in Townsville on Tuesday to start training with his new teammates.

While the Barlow Park trial featuring the Cowboys is traditionally a sell-out, Mason’s presence will undoubtedly heighten interest.

Bailey expects a bit of everything from the crowd when Mason takes his first hit-up.

"I think he will get a mixed reception," she said.

"It’s usually a big family occasion and some of the parents might have a few reservations about Willie playing for the Cowboys but the young kids won’t.

"Someone like Willie is bigger than life and they won’t care.

"It’s certainly a bit of a coup for us to have him up here.’’

Mason has a history of questionable off-field behaviour but Bailey said the former Australian representative was not the bogyman some people believed he was.

"I remember seeing him in a game in Townsville when he was playing for the Roosters and he was the last one on the team bus," she said.

"He made sure he signed everyone’s autograph and posed for photos, and those are the things you don’t hear about.

"He can be a bit over-exuberant with his personality but that’s just the way he is.

"I think when he plays for the Cowboys he’ll have a bit of a point to prove because he’ll want to do right by the club."

Bailey also expects Mason to be one of the Cowboys’ players doing school visits the Friday before the game.

The Cowboys’ first trial will be against Wests Tigers in Mackay next Saturday.

Parr said the club was eager to get Mason in action.

"I’d been surprised if he didn’t play at least one trial," Parr said. "I’d doubt whether he’d play in Mackay but after that, he’d be some chance."

Grandstand tickets for the match are still available at the CDRL office in Severin St, with credit card facilities and phone bookings available. Phone 4031 6772. Family passes and passes to the outer are also available at the CDRL office and Sportscene Super Warehouse, Mulgrave Rd, and at Stockland, Earlville.

Share this article