Willie Mason and some of his most controversial antics amid new role

Former Hull KR prop Willie Mason has landed a new NRL role. I know what you’re thinking, former Hull KR prop? Mason hardly deserves that tag but it’s true, there was once a time when Mason donned the red and white, even if for a brief moment.

In the UK perhaps he’s more known for laying out Stuart Fielden in Great Britain’s famous 2006 win over Australia in Sydney. You name it, ‘big Willie’ did it in rugby league. From winning the NRL Grand Final with Canterbury Bulldogs back in 2014 to starring for New South Wales and Australia, Mason did plenty on the field during his time as a player.

But on the back of landing a new gig with Channel 7 News, it’s worth remembering the forward once dubbed ‘a walking headline’ and some of the controversial things he’s done and been involved in off the field.

In 2003, Mason tested positive for an illicit social drug. This was reported to be an amphetamine and he was fined $25,000 by his club, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. The former forward has reportedly never commented on the matter.

In 2004, Mason, Trent Waterhouse, Craig Wing, Craig Gower and Mark O’Meley were fined for unprofessional behaviour. This is after leaving the team hotel following a match. Mason allegedly forged another player’s signature at an autograph event. The players were also said to have visited a brothel after a heavy drinking session.

Mason almost joined the NFL in 2006. Oakland Raiders (now Las Vegas Raiders) and San Francisco 49ers were said to have shown interest. New York Giants offered him a trial but Canterbury objected to the deal.

In 2006, Mason was captured by cameras swearing during The Haka as Australia went head to head with New Zealand in the Tri Nations. In the same series, Mason was banned for one game and fined $5,000 after an on-field altercation with Stuart Fielden. Mason and his new Sydney Roosters teammate Anthony Tupou were charged with urinating in a public place in 2008.

There are many more examples of Mason acting as a loose cannon including leaving a taxi without paying the fare back in 2002. It’ll be interesting to see how ‘big Willie’ takes to his new gig. It won’t be boring.