The controversial Sydney Roosters forward Willie Mason has denied he was offered a payout to quit the embattled National Rugby League club.
Speculation has been rife the former Test star is on the outer at the Roosters, who sacked coach Brad Fittler this season and replaced him with Brian Smith from next year following a spate of off-field dramas and a wooden spoon season.
Reports have suggested Mason was offered $100,000 dollars to walk away from the final year of his contract and manager Greg Keenan has been shopping him to rugby union clubs in Japan and Europe.
However Mason denied the claims.
Meanwhile, St George Illawarra have confirmed Papua New Guinea coach Adrian Lam will be the Dragons' under-20s mentor in 2010.
Lam joins the Dragons from the Roosters, where the former PNG, Queensland, Roosters and Wigan halfback was an assistant to former boss Fittler for the past two seasons.
He replaces Steve Price, who will now be head coach Wayne Bennett's assistant with the Dragons' NRL side.
Fiji coach Terry Gilogley will be in charge of Dragons feeder side Shellharbour City.
