Bulldogs pour water on Mason
December 10, 2006 THE Bulldogs have slammed the door on Willie Mason's American football dream amid speculation the New York Jets are set to table an offer for the Test forward.
Returning to Australia on Friday night after a week-long stint with the Jets, Mason revealed his training cameo had only fuelled his desire to make a shock switch to American Football.
But the Bulldogs last night said they would not entertain releasing Mason, who was permitted to visit the Jets on the proviso he would see out the remaining two years of his contract.
"Willie's obviously an exceptional athlete and could ply his trade in any number of sports if he had enough time to learn the skills," a Bulldogs spokesperson said.
"We're happy Willie had the experience, he went with our blessing, but he has two years to run on his contract."
The Jets were impressed with Mason during a 45-minute speed and power session and indicated they would consider offering him a contract.
No financial terms have been discussed, but Mason said he was blown away by the experience and had not ruled out quitting the NRL if he received a deal that was too good to refuse.
"I'm waiting for the Jets to come back to me with an offer and if it's not good enough I won't even look at it. But if it's something that will change my life and make me a hell of a lot more money, I'm not going to ignore it. No way," Mason said.
"After going over there, I'm more excited about the game than ever. It's a different world over there. You don't understand until you've seen their facilities and how they operate.
"Watching the guys train was unbelievable.
"At least I won't die wondering if something happens. I'm not the sort of guy to sit back and give up a chance. If the Jets give me an inkling they want me over there, I would certainly look at it.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Mason admits the Bulldogs would be irate with any attempt to rescind his current deal with the club.
"It would be a hard transition for me and it would be the toughest decision of my career to leave," he said.
"I'm very settled with the Bulldogs and the Jets understand that. They would have to pay a lot of money to get me over there, I wouldn't go over there for a rookie wage.
"But if it is a ridiculous amount of money, the decision is mine. At the end of the day, I have to make the best decision for me. If I decide to go over, it's my call.
