North Queensland Cowboys are shaping as Willie Mason's last shot at remaining in the NRL after Manly pulled out of the race to sign the unwanted Sydney Roosters forward.
The 29-year-old has attracted interest from Melbourne Storm, Cronulla, the Warriors and Wests Tigers since he was given permission to look elsewhere last October.
But it appears Mason's off-field reputation is preventing him from securing a new home, with the Sea Eagles the lastest club to turn their back on the former Test forward.
Manly have confirmed they won't pursue Mason, inisisting they are "content" with their current squad ahead of the 2010 NRL season.
Manly chief executive Graham Lowe said in a statement: "The management of the Manly Sea Eagles today decided not to make an offer to Willie Mason for the upcoming 2010 Telstra Premiership.
"We are content with the squad we have and are confident of a successful season.
"The club is eager to move on from the speculation of Mason joining the club and is continuing to work hard in preparation for the season ahead."
Manly's decision now leaves North Queensland Cowboys as the only NRL club known to be interested in Mason, after
foxsports.com.au revealed the
Cowboys had been in contact with the 2004 Clive Churchill medal winner.
However
The Daily Telegraph reported that the real reason the Sea Eagles pulled out of the chase for Mason was due to fans and sponsors voicing hostility to a proposed move to Brookvale on Wednesday morning.
The report suggested that the backlash caused by Mason's negative off-field image forced the club's hand, made even more important by the Sea Eagles' current search for a sleeve sponsor.
