Rugby league forward Willie Mason has signed a one-year deal with the North Queensland Cowboys for the 2010 NRL season.
The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that Mason chose North Queensland over an offer from Newcastle because he believes the Cowboys have a greater chance of winning the NRL premiership.
The paper reported he was also swayed by the fact that three of his former Bulldogs teammates, Johnathan Thurston, Willie Tonga and Ben Harris, play for the club.
Mason was told by the Sydney Roosters that he was no longer wanted at his 2009 club and will recieve a pay-out for the early release from his $500,000-a-season contract.
But the club has indicated it expects to make a substantial saving by releasing the former Test forward early, who will earn far less at the Cowboys.
It's understood Newcastle had room under the salary cap to accommodate Mason and were prepared to offer him a two-year deal.
