The controversial career of Mason is poised to fade away in the Land of the Rising Sun with Brad Fittler last week giving the 115kg behemoth permission to negotiate with Japanese rugby clubs.
In a frank discussion at Mason's Eastern Suburbs home, Fittler told the premiership-winning forward he would not stop him from quitting the final year of his contract after learning Japanese rugby clubs are willing to pay him up to $700,000 a year.
"He told Freddy he could earn double what he is currently on in Japan," a Roosters insider said.
"And Freddy said he understood that he needs to make the most of his earning capacity and he said he wouldn't stop him. He told him could leave if he wanted to."
Roosters CEO Steve Noyce last night confirmed the meeting between Mason and Fittler took place last Wednesday night, but said he did not know what transpired inside Mason's multi-million-dollar beachside home.
"I know that Freddy had a meeting with Willie last week," Noyce said.
"I don't really know what happened because Freddy was telling me more about short-term stuff because Willie didn't play last weekend.
"I would be lying if I understood what was happening with the other stuff. The player signed before I got here and it was a three-year deal.
"A contract is a contract and I can't say he won't see it out."
him with a genuine offer from a Japanese rugby club.
It is believed that Keenan, the mastermind behind former Cronulla player Fraser Anderson's $400,000 deal with Kobe, is in talks with a number of clubs in Japan that have shown strong interest in Mason.
Both Roosters officials and players last night denied Mason was on the outer with the club after rumours that he had fallen foul of Bondi supremo Nick Politis.
Mason last night refused to speculate about his future.
"I don't know about any of that," he told
The Daily Telegraph.
"I am just looking forward to ripping in the rest of the year with the Roosters."
Mason dramatically walked out on the Bulldogs 18 months ago to sign with the Roosters after a feud with then Canterbury CEO Malcom Noad.
The former NSW enforcer has recently shown glimpses of the type of form that once had him rated the most destructive forward in the game.
His reign with the Roosters has been hampered by a horror knee injury he suffered late last year.
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