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Rugby League

Warriors deny Mason link

12/11/2007

Wigan Warriors owner Ian Lenagan has denied reports linking the JJB Stadium side with a big-money move for Australian star Willie Mason.

The computer software millionaire took control of the Warriors boardroom from Dave Whelan last month, but ruled out the dramatic capture to mark his arrival.

"He's a player that everbody would be interested in but how could we afford him within the salary cap? It's nonsense, I've seen figures of $3million over five years," he told the Wigan Evening Post.

Mason is currently without a club after an acrimonious departure from National Rugby League side Canterbury Bulldogs.

The final two years of his agreement with the New South Wales side were cancelled following a reported run-in over his demands to be allowed to take up a celebrity boxing challenge.

The out-of-contract second row is looking to resolve his situation by the start of next week as National Rugby League outfits in the southern hemisphere begin their preparations for next season.

"I want to be training with a team at least by Monday or during next week. I'm sick of it dragging on, I'm sick of dragging the Bulldogs through it and my team-mates who stuck by me," he said.

Cronulla Sharks and Sydney Roosters head a clutch of NRL sides hoping to squeeze Mason and his wage demands into their 2008 squads.