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http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,15758406-23214,00.html
Willie has bulldog spirit
June 28, 2005
TEST forward Willie Mason wants to finish his career as a Bulldogs player after re-signing with the NRL champions for another four seasons.
The deal ties Mason with the Bulldogs until the end of 2009, ending months of speculation linking him with several clubs including Sydney Roosters and the Sharks.
"I am extremely happy to have the opportunity to possibly play out my career at the Bulldogs," he said.
"There are many great young players in the team and I think we have the potential to create something special over the next few years."
Mason, 25, joins a list of high-profile players who have re-signed with the Bulldogs before the anti-tampering deadline expires, including skipper Andrew Ryan, Queensland centre Willie Tonga, star backrower Sonny Bill Williams, hooker Adam Perry, utility Corey Hughes and Cameron Phelps.
But Mason's deal casts doubt on whether the Bulldogs will also be able to hold on to New South Wales Origin pivot Braith Anasta, who is also off contract this season.
Anasta has been linked with South Sydney for whom he played junior rugby league.
Mason has been sidelined all season with a foot injury sustained in Australia's November Test win over the US, and he is not expected on the field for another three weeks.
"Willie has shown great maturity by signing for the right reasons, and his attitude through a long and frustrating rehabilitation has been first class," Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes said.
Bulldogs chief executive Malcolm Noad hoped Mason would play out his career at Belmore.
"We are obviously delighted that Willie has agreed to stay at the Bulldogs for four more years," he said.
"He's achieved almost everything you can in rugby league and now has the opportunity to achieve a rarity for modern-day footballers, to be a one-club-player."
Mason joined the club in 1998 and made his first-grade debut against Penrith in round 13, 2000. The Kiwi-born prop has played four Origin matches for NSW and 12 Tests for Australia.
Willie has bulldog spirit
June 28, 2005
TEST forward Willie Mason wants to finish his career as a Bulldogs player after re-signing with the NRL champions for another four seasons.
The deal ties Mason with the Bulldogs until the end of 2009, ending months of speculation linking him with several clubs including Sydney Roosters and the Sharks.
"I am extremely happy to have the opportunity to possibly play out my career at the Bulldogs," he said.
"There are many great young players in the team and I think we have the potential to create something special over the next few years."
Mason, 25, joins a list of high-profile players who have re-signed with the Bulldogs before the anti-tampering deadline expires, including skipper Andrew Ryan, Queensland centre Willie Tonga, star backrower Sonny Bill Williams, hooker Adam Perry, utility Corey Hughes and Cameron Phelps.
But Mason's deal casts doubt on whether the Bulldogs will also be able to hold on to New South Wales Origin pivot Braith Anasta, who is also off contract this season.
Anasta has been linked with South Sydney for whom he played junior rugby league.
Mason has been sidelined all season with a foot injury sustained in Australia's November Test win over the US, and he is not expected on the field for another three weeks.
"Willie has shown great maturity by signing for the right reasons, and his attitude through a long and frustrating rehabilitation has been first class," Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes said.
Bulldogs chief executive Malcolm Noad hoped Mason would play out his career at Belmore.
"We are obviously delighted that Willie has agreed to stay at the Bulldogs for four more years," he said.
"He's achieved almost everything you can in rugby league and now has the opportunity to achieve a rarity for modern-day footballers, to be a one-club-player."
Mason joined the club in 1998 and made his first-grade debut against Penrith in round 13, 2000. The Kiwi-born prop has played four Origin matches for NSW and 12 Tests for Australia.
